The case for zero-emission UK shipping: maritime energy policy recommendations

In 2021, UK shipping burned through 7 million tonnes of fossil marine fuels, producing 26.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent – nearly 20% of all of the UK’s transport greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the pressing need to eliminate these emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and Net Zero, the UK has “no credible policies” for shipping emissions to meet the requirements of the sixth Carbon Budget, according to the Climate Change Committee.

A visionary policy and regulatory framework from the Government is needed, and the bulk of the emissions savings must be achieved through the use of zero-emission energy (fuels and electricity).

Independent legal analysis undertaken for T&E shows that the UK already has the necessary primary legislative powers to obligate all vessels calling at UK ports to comply with the greener regulations recommended by T&E.

The case for a robust and ambitious legal framework for UK maritime energy that is equal to the challenge of Net Zero is loud and clear. The course forward for the UK is clearly charted – we must set sail.

With a focus on fuels and electricity, this briefing proposes a policy and regulatory framework for the transition: what is needed, why, and how.