UK Government Aims for Net Zero Shipping by 2050

The Government has announced an ambitious target to decarbonise the UK’s shipping fleet and make it ‘net-zero’ by 2050. At the centre of the strategy is the use of ‘fuels of the future’ and shipping charge points. 

The Maritime Minister - Mike Kane - has revealed that the ultimate goal of the strategy is for ‘all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon free’.

The maritime decarbonisation strategy has set out goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and to zero by 2050 - which will see the UK match the highest level of the ambitious goals agreed at the International Maritime Organisation in their 2023 strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emission from ships.

A major part of the new strategy will see the shipping sector brought under the UK Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). This will see operators of large vessels pay more for their greenhouse gas emissions (this will encompass the most polluting vessels such as tankers and cruise liners).

The strategy will commit significant investment in shoreside charging facilities, with £206m of UK SHORE funding having already supported over 300 organisations across the UK.

Commenting on the Government’s net-zero for shipping strategy, Maritime Minister Mike Kane, said: 

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today. Working together with industry and international partners, we are driving down emissions in every corner of the country. 

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”.

In addition to this new strategy, the Government has also issued calls for evidence for two key areas; understanding the future energy demand at ports, and how to decarbonise smaller vessels. 

Richard Ballantyne OBE, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, commented: 

“We welcome today’s announcement. UK ports are already demonstrating their commitment to net-zero with ambitious targets and investment in new technologies and fuels. 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 for both ports and vessels and this strategy will help set a clear direction and expectations well into the future. We look forward to a continued close partnership built on common aims”.

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