New Green Shipping Tax Hikes Freight Costs for Northern Ireland Ports, July 2026

The UK government is introducing a carbon emissions trading scheme for ferries to Northern Ireland in July 2026, set to increase shipping costs by about 6% and add £9 million in annual expenses for companies like Stena Line. The tax, which requires payment for CO2 emissions and does not exempt Northern Ireland, is expected to raise £15 per vehicle for HGVs, vans, and cars. The UK Chamber of Shipping warns that the additional red tape and costs will depress competitiveness in a supply chain already strained by Brexit-related arrangements and urges a delay pending further assessment and ring-fencing of proceeds for clean fuel and quayside power investments.