UK ship emission review published

The recommendation follows the news that based on current levels, the UK share of international shipping could account for up to 11% of total emissions permitted under the Climate Change Act by the year 2050.

The CCC review provides the first detailed assessment of the UK’s share of international shipping emissions, projects them to 2050 and estimates the abatement potential from shipping.

Based on the results, the CCC has recommended that emissions from international aviation and shipping be included in present UK carbon budgets.

Also, that the UK government should work with the EU to gain access to fuel data from ship operators to resolve uncertainties over current emission levels.

The UK government has a target to reduce emissions by 80% below levels in 1990 by the year 2050.

The review points out how emissions can be reduced by using a range of technical and operational measures. On a technical level, it involves upgrade of propulsion systems and engines, hull coatings and hybrid power systems.

Operations wise, there is work to be done on efficiency including ship travel speed, navigational software and port turn-around times.

And then there is the fuel issue – the benefits of biofuels and liquefied natural gas to reduce emissions.

The Chamber of Shipping has welcomed the review. David Balston, director safety & environment at the UK Chamber of Shipping said: “This work is hugely important and complements ground breaking work that the UK Chamber has been doing in leading and shaping the debate on how shipping can drive down carbon emissions.

“We do stress, however, that any solution must be global rather than regional to avoid distorting world trade and potentially damaging an industry that is vital to the future prosperity of the United Kingdom”.