Urgent call for opinions before workboat CO2 rules imposed

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The Workboat Association (WA) has released an urgent reminder to small vessel owners in the UK to respond to the government’s Call for Evidence about decarbonisation legislation.

The Department for Transport (DfT) came up with a maritime decarbonisation strategy ‘for UK domestic maritime to achieve net zero fuel lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050’ in March.

CO2 Image by Malte Reimold from Pixabay

Source: Malte Reimold from Pixabay

Carbon dioxide molecules

“The strategy includes a commitment to introduce emission reduction measures for vessels below 400 gross tonnage (GT) and in targeted subsectors, recognising that some subsectors will be able to decarbonise more quickly than others,” it said, and released a Call for Evidence which it is asking stakeholders across the sector to respond to.

This has now extended until a minute to midnight on next Monday September 8, and it is not known how long after the deadline the regulations will be drawn up, nor whether there will be any further consultation.

Estimates vary wildly as to how much the workboat sector contributes in CO₂ or other emissions to the shipping sector, with some figures claiming as much as 25% and others as low as 2%.

Workboat Association CEO Kerrie Forster says he is not aware of any other European country looking to penalise its workboat sector over emissions, although many countries have already imposed regulations on their inland vessels.

“It is vitally important that industry respond to this Call for Evidence,” the WA says. “This is YOUR TIME to have YOUR SAY about upcoming British National Regulations affecting your vessels.”

“It is imperative we gather your input into the CfE as it will help us gather further evidence to inform policy making relating to this commitment and to ensure that government interventions are effective, proportionate, well timed and meet emission reduction goals,” says the DfT.

“We will analyse the data from the Call for Evidence to inform next steps for policy work. We will look to introduce measures targeted at vessels that can move quickly before those facing greater challenges, and all measures will be proportionate.”