Portsmouth launch for government’s decarbonisation strategy

Today (Tuesday 25 March) Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP visited Portsmouth International Port to announce the government’s new goals for all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon free and help vessel owners, operators and scientists make emission-free voyages a reality.

This announcement was made against the backdrop of the port’s innovative Sea Change project, which will be a UK first to provide shore power across multiple berths for multiple ships.

The new Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy sets out goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and to zero by 2050. This will see the UK match the highest level of the ambitious goals agreed at the International Maritime Organization in their 2023 Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emission from Ships.

Under the new strategy, the shipping sector will be brought under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS). This will see operators of larger vessels such as tankers and cruises – which cause the most pollution – pay more for their greenhouse gas emissions.

Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port director said: We welcome the announcement of the new maritime decarbonisation strategy, which the port’s master plan very much aligns with.

To help achieve this ambition, we’re on track to become the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-ship ‘chargeport’ by providing renewable plug-in energy when ships are alongside from spring 2025.

The seachange shore power project, demonstrates the success of both public and private investment, supported by the government’s zero emissions vessels and infrastructure (ZEVI) fund, driving innovation towards net zero. We’re pleased to show the minister what’s happening in Portsmouth and how this could be a model for ports across the country.

Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face today. Working together with industry and international partners, we are driving down emissions in every corner of the economy.

As part of our Plan for Change, we’re committed to making the UK a green energy superpower and our maritime decarbonisation strategy will help us build a cleaner, more resilient maritime nation.

For more information read the government’s news story here