UK calls for zero global shipping emissions by 2050

If agreed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this target will be an ambitious one for the sector, which is currently accountable for 3% of global emissions.

UK TO LEAD IN GREEN MARITIME

This announcement comes as the government builds on a string of initiatives aimed at slashing emissions and establishing the UK as international leaders in green maritime.

Yesterday (15 September 2021), the Transport Secretary announced the winners of the multimillion-pound Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. Focused on innovative green maritime solutions, the competition was launched as part of the Prime Minister’s ten point plan for a green industrial revolution last November.

ZERO EMISSION VESSELS TO ENTER SERVICE BY 2025

The Transport Secretary also underlined the importance of building a thriving maritime sector focused on innovation, highlighting his ambition to have zero emission vessels entering into commercial service by 2025, paving the way for cleaner and greener channel crossings in the next decade.

These initiatives follow on from commitments outlined in the recently published Transport Decarbonisation Plan to explore the establishment of a UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE), a dedicated unit within the Department for Transport (DfT) focused on decarbonising the maritime sector.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP said: “As a maritime nation with a rich history, and host of COP26 this year, we are proud to be at the forefront of the greener era for maritime, charting an international course for the future of clean shipping.

“I’m incredibly excited by the changes happening in this sector, with the speed of progress highlighted by the prospect of zero emission commercial vessels in UK waters in the next few years and green Channel crossings within a decade.

“Taking action now allows us to lead the charge on this global shift, creating highly skilled jobs for British workers and shaping the landscape for what clean shipping and trade will look like for future generations.”

Logistics UK’s decarbonisation lead, Michelle Gardner, said: “Logistics UK fully supports the government’s push to decarbonise the UK’s maritime sector. Ninety per cent of goods coming into the UK arrive by sea and 15% of domestic freight is moved by water, so this sector can play a leading role in helping achieve decarbonisation.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/water

Published On: 16/09/2021 16:00:08

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