Operators of large cruise ships face paying more for their greenhouse gas emissions under new government carbon free shipping ambitions.
The new maritime decarbonisation strategy sets out goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and to zero by 2050.
It pointed to “fuels of the future” and shipping charge points in ports as being at the centre of the new strategy.
Maritime minister Mike Kane revealed 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”.
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,” the Department for Transport confirmed.
“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.”
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 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.”
Clia UK & Ireland managing director Andy Harmer said: “The government’s new maritime decarbonisation strategy provides our industry with a much-needed roadmap for our UK operations as we pursue our net zero by 2050 goals.
“With over a third of the world’s ocean-going cruise ships coming to the UK, it is imperative that the government matches the ambition of the cruise industry, which is investing billions into more fuel efficient ships, and now operates a fleet where over 50% of ships are able to connect to onshore power supply when in port.
“We encourage the government to now work with industry to provide the necessary infrastructure for emission-free cruising, including through more UK ports having onshore power supply, and provisions for sustainable maritime fuels.”
Anna Krajinska, UK director at Transport & Environment clean transport lobby group (T&E), said: “T&E welcomes the government’s commitment to reduce shipping emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and net zero by 2050.
“It is crucial that ambitious targets are coupled with robust policy measures to slash the UK’s domestic and international shipping emissions without delay.”
Chamber of Shipping chief executive Rhett Hatcher said: “The government’s strategy must now be matched by delivering the regulatory framework, technology and infrastructure, including a shore power revolution, required to support the green transition for UK maritime, bringing benefits to maritime communities and the UK economy.
“We look forward to working collaboratively alongside government to progress this important agenda and reach our shared goals of a cleaner, more resilient maritime sector in the UK.”
Chris Shirling-Rooke, chief executive of trade body Maritime UK, said: “Decarbonisation is both an enormous challenge and opportunity for the maritime sector, with huge potential for growth, jobs and innovation in our coastal communities, and across the whole of the United Kingdom.
“It is vital that our country continues to drive change and chase growth by creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“We welcome the government’s commitment today and look forward to continuing to work with them on the maritime decarbonisation strategy.”
Mike Sellers, director of Portsmouth International Port (pictured) added: “We welcome the announcement of the new maritime decarbonisation strategy, which the port’s master plan very much aligns with.
“To help achieve this ambition, we’re on track to become the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-ship ‘chargeport’ by providing renewable plug-in energy when ships are alongside from spring 2025.”