UK calls for zero emissions from global shipping by 2050

At the start of London International Shipping Week (LISW) UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announce the country was backing an absolute zero target for international shipping emissions by 2050. The target would need to be agreed by the IMO, and is significantly greater the UN body’s current decarbonization targets for shipping by 2050.

“As a maritime nation with a rich history, and host of COP26 this year, we are proud to be at the forefront of the greener era for maritime, charting an international course for the future of clean shipping,” Shapps said.

“I’m incredibly excited by the changes happening in this sector, with the speed of progress highlighted by the prospect of zero emission commercial vessels in UK waters in the next few years and green Channel crossings within a decade.”

Zero emission vessels are expected to enter service by 2025 and the importance of building a thriving maritime sector focused on innovation was stressed.

A Ministerial roundtable at the Foreign Office today will see leaders from across the sector will discuss how to level up all parts of the UK with a focus on its decarbonisation, coastal communities and port towns and industries.