Monday 14 March 2022

UK SHORE: Government launches new unit dedicated to tackle shipping emissions

The government has launched a new unit which will be dedicated to tackling emissions from shipping and advancing the UK towards a sustainable shipping future.

Called the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions, or UK SHORE, the new unit will be housed in the Department for Transport (DfT) and aims to make maritime greener by pioneering new research and development of technologies.

The government is providing £206 million in new funding to accelerate research and development of clean maritime technologies – including hydrogen, electric and ammonia - and create skilled jobs across the country.

A multi-year Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) will be launched, in addition to UK SHORE working with industry to tackle shipbuilding supply and demand issues and help build greener vessels.

It will also help develop the infrastructure needed to enable zero emission technologies to power the new greener vessels, from cruisers to tankers and leisure boats.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Climate change is a global challenge and it’s essential that, with our maritime sector’s rich history of green travel, dating back thousands of years, we tackle shipping emissions.

“I want UK SHORE to take the industry back to the future. The age of the sail was the first green maritime age; new technology will bring us to a second green age.

“And as we turn the tide for green shipping, I can’t wait to see thousands of new jobs created around the country, too – from masterful shipbuilding to the high-tech sailors of tomorrow.”