**The government has said that all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports should be carbon free by 2050 as part of its climate change goals.**
A new decarbonisation strategy for the maritime sector sets out goals to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and to zero by 2050. This will see the UK match the highest level of the goals agreed by the International Maritime Organization in its 2023 strategy on reduction of emissions from ships.
Global shipping is responsible for around 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, with global trade predicted to quadruple by 2050, these emissions will increase rapidly without urgent action.
The shipping sector is considered hard to decarbonise, as electrifying ships is considerably more challenging than electrifying cars from both a technical and a market perspective.
A ship is also a much bigger capital investment than a car and has a lifespan of several decades, meaning that the maritime sector could be plagued by polluting legacy vessels even 25 years from now. While better battery technology in recent years has meant electric vehicles with longer ranges, ships are vastly heavier than cars and need to travel long distances between ports. This has led to concerns that electrifying shipping isn’t feasible, given current technology.
But the government said that investment in green technologies and fuels will cement the UK as a clean energy superpower and encourage a green economic revival at the local level.
Under the new strategy, the shipping sector will be brought under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. This will see operators of larger vessels such as tankers and cruises – which cause the most pollution – pay more for their GHG emissions.
Furthermore, the strategy sets out plans to increase the use of clean fuels and technologies, such as hydrogen, electric or ammonia vessels.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today,” said maritime minister Mike Kane. “Working together with industry and international partners, we are driving down emissions in every corner of the economy.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we’re committed to making the UK a green energy superpower, and our maritime decarbonisation strategy will help us build a cleaner, more resilient maritime nation.”
Mark Dickinson, general secretary of Nautilus International, said: “As we transition to new fuels, technologies and vessel designs, we must ensure this green revolution delivers for maritime professionals too.
“A just transition must be at the heart of these changes – guaranteeing quality jobs, comprehensive training and appropriate upskilling for seafarers who will be operating these new systems. We look forward to working closely with the UK government in achieving a just transition that supports continued economic and employment growth and prosperity for coastal communities as well as all maritime professionals.”