UK Government unveils industry-crippling maritime decarbonisation strategy

Alternative low-emission fuels and shipping charge points in harbours are among the items outlined in a major new strategy that the UK Government expects would make Britain's shipping fleet emission-free by 2050.

On Tuesday, March 25, UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane revealed the UK Government's new goals for all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon-free and enable vessel owners, operators and scientists ensure the conduct of emission-free voyages.

The UK's new maritime decarbonisation strategy sets out goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, 80 per cent by 2040 and to zero by 2050.

The Department of Transport said this would see the UK match the highest level of the ambitious goals agreed at the International Maritime Organisation in the latter's 2023 strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emission from ships.

Under the new strategy, the shipping sector will be brought under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). This would see operators of larger vessels such as tankers and cruise ships pay more for their greenhouse gas emissions.

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

In addition, the government has launched two calls for evidence to help inform the development of measures needed to reduce emissions at berth, understand the future energy demand at ports, and decarbonise smaller vessels.

The deeply unpopular UK Government's oppressive push for "renewable" energy has seen power prices skyrocket and its stagnant economy slow even further.