Policy win: Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy published

The new Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy outlines plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and to zero by 2050, compared to 2008 levels, aligning targets with those agreed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) GHG strategy. 

The strategy, which includes the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime vessels from 2026, has put clean fuels and technologies such as hydrogen, electric or ammonia vessels, and shore power, at the centre of the plan. 

To further develop the policies set out in the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, government is seeking views on two calls for evidence on net zero ports to help understand future energy demand at ports and decarbonise smaller vessels. 

Logistics UK has been calling for a new strategy to replace the 2019 Clean Maritime Plan and welcomes the announcement. Members have made it clear that government direction and support is needed to enable net zero shipping to become a reality. 

The business group will be responding to the two calls for evidence and will continue to engage with the DfT on decarbonisation.