WOBO recognises the need for materials and people mobility but supports reduction in carbon emissions.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has called on the global maritime sector to agree on an “absolute zero” emissions target by 2050, as the UK looks set to host a demonstration week for the future of shipping.
The Transport Secretary made the call ahead of Monday’s (13 September) launch of the London International Shipping Week.
Shapps has proposed that an absolute zero target is discussed during the week and then debated at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO’s) Marine Environment Protection Committee in November. The IMO has a current plan in place to reduce emissions and decarbonise the shipping industry to net-zero 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. Taking action now allows us to lead the charge on this global shift, creating highly skilled jobs for British workers and shaping the landscape for what clean shipping and trade will look like for future generations.”
The call comes after the Government agreed to include emissions from shipping and aviation as part of its Sixth Carbon Budget to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035. Historically, the Government’s emissions reduction efforts only accounted for emissions on a “territorial” basis and therefore only includes those within the UK’s borders, a decision that has drawn criticism from green groups.
Additionally, the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan sets out how the Government will decarbonise every mode of transport. The Plan pledges to “plot a course to net-zero” for the UK domestic maritime sector. This looks set to include indicative targets from 2030 and to reach net-zero “as early as is feasible”.
UK Government calls for ‘absolute zero’ emissions goal for global shipping sector