Fuels of the future and shipping charge points in harbours are at the centre of a major new strategy to make Britain’s shipping fleet net zero by 2050 and drive growth in coastal communities.

The Maritime Minister has recently announced the government’s new goals for all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon free and help vessel owners, operators and scientists make emission-free voyages a reality. 

Part of the government’s Plan for Change to 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 to zero by 2050. This will see the UK match the highest level of the ambitious goals agreed at the International Maritime Organization in their 2023 Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emission from Ships.  

The UK government says 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, helping to build high-skilled jobs in coastal communities, delivering a local boon to cities and towns.

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 cruises – which cause the most pollution - pay more for their greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, the strategy sets out plans to reduce emissions from shipping and increase the use of clean fuels and technologies, such as hydrogen, electric or ammonia vessels.

Photo:  The government wants all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon free by 2050. Image courtesy of the Port of Felixstowe.