Transport / Shipping sector must go carbon free by 2050, UK Government says
THE UK Government will introduce shipping “charge ports” and push for vessels to use future fuels as it aims to decarbonise shipping by 2050.
The worst polluting vessels will decarbonise first as the Labour government sets out a major strategy to reach net zero on Britain’s shipping fleet.
Every vessel that operates in UK waters and docks at UK ports will be required to be carbon free, to make emission-free voyages a reality.
It comes as plans for two new freight ferries for the Northern Isles continue to move closer, with a funding decision from the Scottish Government expected next month.
The vessels would be powered by traditional fuel but the plan is for the engines to be methanol ready, a public consultation about the ferries heard last week.
The UK Government’s maritime decarbonisation strategy will set out goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.
They will then aim for an 80 per cent reduction by 2040, and net zero by 2050.
Operators of larger vessels such as tankers and cruises will pay more for their greenhouse gas emissions, the UK Government said.
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 vessels.
And the government is also launching 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.
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 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.”
Transport Scotland, operator NorthLink Ferries and CMAL – which operates ferries on behalf of the Scottish Government – presented initial plans for the two new freight ferries at the Shetland Museum last week.
They said that no port upgrades would be required to accommodate the new boats but there could be some work carried out in Lerwick and Aberdeen due to equipment reaching life expectancy, such as linkspans.
Regarding shore power, the boats would “plug in” when tied up during the day in Aberdeen and Lerwick to “deal with the vessels’ hotel load and for the charging of batteries”.
Methanol is being used by ferry operator Stena Line as a sustainable marine fuel alternative, with three of its vessels to run on methanol as of early 2026.
The Northern Isles’ passenger ferries Hrossey and Hjaltland will both turn 30 years old in 2032.
Transport Scotland said work on planning for replacements will commence during the period through to 2026, with a view to the delivery of new tonnage in the early part of 2031-2036.
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