- T&E urges the UK government to include maritime emissions in UK ETS to aid decarbonization and generate over £1 billion annually.
- The proposal suggests targeting domestic shipping emissions and 50% of international shipping emissions to align with other transport sectors.
- The inclusion of shipping in the UK ETS aligns with EU ETS policies.
Environmental campaigners, led by Transport & Environment (T&E), are urging the UK government to include maritime greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), reports SAFETY4SEA.
Maritime Greenhouse Gas Emissions Could Generate £1 Billion Annually
According to T&E’s estimates, incorporating shipping emissions into the UK ETS could generate over £1 billion annually. It could be used to develop zero-emission marine fuels, particularly hydrogen-based alternatives.
T&E’s proposal advocates for the inclusion of both domestic shipping emissions and 50% of international emissions for vessels over 400 gross tonnage. It aligns maritime emissions with other sectors like aviation and road transport.
Shipping Industry Faces Carbon Pricing Under T&E’s Proposal
T&E’s push for integrating shipping into carbon pricing systems is aimed at decarbonizing the maritime sector. It aligns UK policies with the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) starting January 2024.
By incorporating shipping emissions into the UK ETS, the government could help prevent “carbon leakage”, where ships divert to EU ports to avoid higher emission costs while addressing nearly one-fifth of the UK’s transport greenhouse gas emissions.
T&E Advocates for Maritime Sector’s Role in UK ETS
Shipping is responsible for a significant portion of UK transport emissions. T&E’s proposal highlights the need to include maritime emissions in the carbon pricing system. It is to meet the UK’s net-zero targets.
If adopted, the proposal could lead to investment in zero-emission marine fuels. The focus is on hydrogen-based alternatives, helping the UK decarbonize its shipping industry.
Proposal to Include 50% of International Shipping Emissions in UK ETS
The proposal calls for including 50% of international shipping emissions, alongside domestic emissions. It aligns with other transport sectors already subject to emissions duties.
By investing the £1 billion annual revenue from the UK ETS into decarbonizing the maritime sector, the UK could become a leader in zero-emission shipping technology by 2030.
Aligning UK maritime emission policies with the EU ETS could help the UK avoid carbon leakage. It can ensure the shipping industry contributes to the UK’s broader decarbonization efforts.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
