Report published on net zero and UK shipping
The Environmental Audit Committee have published a report setting out recommendations for achieving net zero in the UK maritime sector.
In March 2021 there was an inquiry into the efforts to decarbonise two of the UK's hardest to abate industries - civil aviation and shipping. In relation to shipping, the inquiry sought to examine the scope for technological innovation, changes in fuelling and operational efficiencies to reduce emissions, and establish the actions required both at UK national and international level to achieve emissions targets.
The inquiry resulted in two separate reports, with the Net zero and UK shipping report being the second.
The report examines the overall challenges facing the maritime sector as it seeks to decarbonise, and makes many recommendations, including the need to:
- update the 2019 Clean Maritime Plan within three months of State Opening of the 2024 Parliament;
- urgently assess the merits of introducing a voyage-based measure of the UK's contribution to international shipping emissions;
- set stretching but achievable interim targets for UK domestic and international shipping emissions, consistent with carbon budget requirements and the overall 2050 net zero target;
- send clear and unambiguous signals to the UK maritime sector that it is committed to supporting its transition to net zero, including reviewing the funding perspectives for decarbonisation of UK shipping and further matching funding for research and development to at least 2030;
- develop a strategy to support the manufacture of zero-emission marine fuels, accompanied by a deliver plan with clear production milestones, and consult on introducing a revenue support mechanism to incentivise commercial production of zero-emission marine fuels.
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