Britain has announced plans to encourage the use of “fuels of the future” and shipping charge points in harbours. These are key points at the centre of a major new environmental strategy. The government-led initiative aims to make Britain’s shipping fleet emissions net zero by 2050 and drive growth in coastal communities.
Politician Mike Kane, who serves as the Maritime Minister within the Department for Transport, has set out the government’s new environmental goals for the industry. The measures cover all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports. The government says the overarching goal is for maritime operations to be carbon-free and help vessel owners, operators and scientists make emission-free voyages a reality.
Meeting ambitious IMO goals
The Maritime decarbonisation strategy is part of the government’s wider “Plan for Change” programme. That strategy is a manifesto pledge made at last year’s elections. The left-wing Labour Party says it will propel the UK towards becoming a green energy superpower and drive growth.
The new Maritime decarbonisation strategy sets out goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and zero by 2050. “This will see the UK match the highest level of the ambitious goals agreed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in their 2023 strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emission from ships,” said a statement from the Department for Transport. The IMO is already working on a global carbon levy proposal, as reported last year by WorldCargo News.
Cleaner, more resilient maritime nation
In his launch of the maritime decarbonisation strategy, Mike Kane pointed out that investment in net-zero maritime projects had already seen growth in coastal regions. He claimed that GB£206 million had been allocated through the UK SHORE fund – a two-year-old mechanism which had already supported over 300 organisations and secured over GB£100 million of private investment (although that does appear to represent a rather sluggish cost-benefit ratio of less than 0.5).
Globally, shipping accounts for two per cent of all emissions, says the government’s figures. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today,” said Mike Kane, who also represents the inland constituency of Wythenshawe and Sale East in Greater Manchester. “Working together with industry and international partners, we are driving down emissions in every corner of the economy. Our maritime decarbonisation strategy will help us build a cleaner, more resilient maritime nation.”
Two consultations also launched
Under the new strategy, the shipping sector will be brought under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). This will see operators of larger vessels such as tankers and cruise liners, which the government say cause the most pollution, pay more for their greenhouse gas emissions.
The strategy also sets out plans to reduce emissions from shipping and increase the use of clean fuels and technologies, such as hydrogen, electric traction or ammonia. The government has also launched two calls for evidence to help inform the development of measures needed to reduce emissions at berth, understand the future energy demand at ports and to help decarbonise smaller vessels.
More resilient maritime sector
“UK ports are already demonstrating their commitment to net zero,” said Richard Ballantyne, the Chief Executive of the British Ports Association. “The UK SHORE programme shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together on shared goals. We will continue to work closely with the Department for Transport on lowering barriers to investment and decarbonisation.
“The government’s strategy must now be matched by delivering the regulatory framework, technology and infrastructure,” said Rhett Hatcher, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping. “[This includes] a shore power revolution, required to support the green transition for UK maritime, bringing benefits to maritime communities and the UK economy. We look forward to working collaboratively alongside government to progress this important agenda and reach our shared goals of a cleaner, more resilient maritime sector in the UK.”