Uncertainty over government support for net zero shipping, combined with delays to an updated maritime decarbonisation strategy, could put the UK’s leadership in green shipping at risk.
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has warned the country is losing time when it could seize a great global opportunity.
The government has published its response to the EAC’s report on net zero and UK shipping, and while ministers struck a generally positive tone, they have refused to confirm when the long-awaited update to the 2019 clean maritime plan will be released.
The response also makes it clear that future funding for net zero shipping will depend on the outcome of the upcoming spending review, raising concerns over long-term investment.
Former Transport Secretary Mark Harper confirmed the UK would continue working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to push for tougher global greenhouse gas reduction targets.
The Labour government says it will back efforts to strengthen the IMO’s 2023 greenhouse gas strategy, when it is revised in 2028.
But the EAC argues that without clear domestic policies, these international efforts will be undermined.
Committee chair Toby Perkins MP, in a letter to the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, has called for greater certainty on government support, including future funding for research and development of clean fuels and shipping technology.
There appear to be more questions than answers on the Government’s approach to decarbonising the shipping industry. Globally, shipping on its own is responsible for 2% of the planet’s emissions.
Toby Perkins EAC Chair
“I warmly welcome the leadership role the UK Government continues to take on the decarbonisation agenda at the IMO but this must be backed up with a clear and ambitious strategy domestically.
“It is for this reason that it is disappointing that we still do not have a date for when the Clean Maritime Plan will be published.”
With industry waiting for clearer signals from government, the UK risks losing momentum in the transition to clean shipping say MPs.
