UK government calls for zero-emissions shipping by 2050
The UK government has called on the global shipping industry to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in the latest push to decarbonise the notoriously hard-to-abate sector.
The call was made by in a speech by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps at the opening of London International Shipping Week.
The target, which would need to be agreed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), would represent a significant increase of ambition for the sector, which is currently accountable for 3% of global emissions.
Read more: Maersk orders carbon-neutral vessels in decarbonisation push
"As a maritime nation with a rich history, and host of COP 26 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," said Shapps.
The UK government has been trying to position itself as an international leader in green shipping, leveraging the country's long-standing maritime tradition in order to do so.
It is expected that Shapps will also reassert his ambition to see zero-emission vessels entering into service by 2025.
Maritime UK chair Sarah Kenny said: "International challenges require international solutions and it’s right government seeks to lead regulatory action here in London. We can play a leading role in driving change globally and this starts at London International Shipping Week."
In July, the government released its transport decarbonisation plan, which looked to establish a UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions under the remit of the Department for Transport.
Read more: A green future: How can the maritime sector work towards sustainability?
The International Chamber of Shipping recently outlined a plan for a global carbon levy tax in order to speed up the decarbonisation of the sector.
Last week, Maersk chief executive Soren Skou called on the IMO to phase out the production of fossil-fuelled ships in an attempt to decarbonise the industry, following the European Commission's example of proposing to end combustion engine car production by 2035.
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