Maritime Minister will today accelerate the
UK’s ambitions to deliver a greener, more sustainable future for
the shipping industry with plans to explore the rollout of
emissions-cutting shore power at UK ports.
Shore power will be vital to decarbonising the maritime sector
and improving air quality for local communities.
Currently, berthed vessels must run their onboard diesel engines
to power lighting, galleys, air-conditioning and other amenities.
It’s the equivalent of a car or van idling while parked, emitting
polluting fumes into the air around ports and contributing to
greenhouse gas emissions.
With shore power, vessels will be able to turn off their engines
and plug into onshore power sources when berthed, reducing carbon
emissions, noise and air pollution.
Launching a call for evidence on shore
power during his keynote speech at the annual UK Chamber
of Shipping (UKCoS) Dinner today, the Maritime Minister will also
outline how, as well as vital environmental benefits, stimulating
the innovation of new green technologies will continue the
revival of the UK’s shipbuilding industry, bringing private
investment, creating jobs and revitalising coastal communities.
Maritime Minister said:
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges this generation
faces, and we will continue to lead international efforts to
decarbonise the maritime sector.
Shore power will end the outdated practice of ships keeping their
engines running while anchored in port, reducing the poisonous
fumes entering the air and ensuring we meet our net zero 2050
goals.
, Director of Policy and
External Affairs for the British Ports Association, said:
The ports industry has a key role to play in supporting the
decarbonisation of shipping and shore power will be an important
part of that.
This call for evidence is a step forward and will help us all
better understand the current barriers to delivering more shore
power to ships.
We look forward to sharing the sector’s experiences so far and
exploring how industry and government can work together to lower
emissions in ports.
Tim Morris, CEO at the UK Major Ports
Group, said:
Shore power has the potential to play a positive part in the
future of zero emission maritime, although it is an area that
currently faces some significant challenges.
The call for evidence is, therefore, an important step in finding
the right, viable ways that industry, government and networks can
work together to support the wider deployment of shore power
where it is an appropriate solution.
Already leading the charge on key decarbonisation technologies
such as zero-emissions vehicles, the UK became one of the few
nations in the world to have a dedicated Clean Maritime
Demonstration Competition, which pledged £23 million in 2021
to fund over 55 decarbonisation projects.
This was joined by commitments made at COP26, in which the UK
launched the Clydebank Declaration,
a coalition of 22 countries keen to develop green shipping
corridors.
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