All new ships ordered from 2025 and aimed for UK waters must be equipped with zero emission technology as part of a new Clean Maritime Plan announced this month.
The target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 makes the UK the first among the major G7 countries to set such a goal. The government has specified that ships ordered from 2025 onwards must have zero-emission capabilities such as batteries or biofuels and maintain a fossil fuel alternative as a backup.
“The government is also looking at ways to incentivize the transition to zero-emission shipping and will consult on this next year,” the British Transport Department said. As part of this, a £1m ($1.25m) competition has been launched to find ways to cut maritime emissions. The UK’s maritime sector has already taken steps to reduce emissions. Hybrid ferries are already being used in UK waters, including in the Scottish islands and on cross-Solent journeys to the Isle of Wight. The Port of London Authority also uses hybrid vessels.