EU-UK set course for deeper cooperation on maritime safety, CCS, hydrogen

EU and UK Aim for Closer Cooperation on Maritime Safety, CCS, and Hydrogen
May 22, 2025, by Nadja Skopljak

The European Commission and the UK have come to a joint understanding that outlines a renewed plan for collaboration, focusing on maritime safety and security, as well as emerging energy technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), among other priorities.
Following the UK-European Union summit on May 19, discussions were held between the European Commission and the UK to identify opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The joint understanding reflects the outcomes, with both parties committed to swiftly implementing the actions outlined in the document, adhering to their respective legal frameworks and processes, while also upholding their commitment to respecting each other’s decision-making independence.
The significance of key agreements, including the Withdrawal Agreement with the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, was underscored by the parties.
Enhanced collaboration on maritime safety and security has been agreed upon, with a focus on areas such as ship and port facility security, cyber resilience in maritime operations, and accident reporting. The Common Understanding also hints at the exploration of UK involvement in the EU internal electricity market and potential participation in EU trading platforms, with existing electricity trading arrangements to remain in place for now.
The parties aim to work together on technical and regulatory cooperation concerning CCUS, hydrogen, and biomethane, including the development of joint standards to facilitate cross-border CO2 infrastructure. Connecting their carbon markets is seen as a way to address trade challenges and create a fairer competitive environment, with plans to link the UK Emission Trading Scheme and EU Emission Trading System.
The agreement will encompass sectors like electricity generation, industry, maritime transport, and aviation, with a view to aligning with EU rules while respecting the UK’s constitutional processes. The UK’s climate commitments will guide its carbon reduction pathway, matching or exceeding EU targets, and the UK will also provide financial support to EU initiatives in this field.
Carbon Catalyst, a part of a joint venture that conducted the UK’s first CO2 injection test, has welcomed the outcomes of the EU-UK Reset Summit, emphasizing the potential for progress in industrial decarbonization and climate collaboration in Europe. The agreement to link the UK and EU Emissions Trading Systems is seen as a crucial step that could spur investment in the CCUS sector and advance carbon pricing certainty. The UK and EU’s readiness to lead on climate and industrial strategy is seen as positive news for projects like the Poseidon CCS initiative.