The Department for Transport published its response to last year’s Net Zero Ports Call for Evidence. The response sets out some of the Department’s plans for maritime decarbonisation and it says that it is now minded not to introduce a standalone at-berth emissions requirement on port. Instead, it proposes to address greenhouse gas emissions at berth through the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and forthcoming maritime fuel regulations applying to ships and their operators. We made this case and so welcome the government’s position (although we have serious ongoing reservations about the implementation of the ETS).
The DfT says that regulating ships and their operators represents the “simplest and most effective way forward”, while minimising administrative burdens on ports and a consultation will be launched on this in due course. Finally the response also recognises the significant energy challenge facing ports suggesting the DfT would champion the ports sector’s needs. A full briefing has been shared with relevant BPA members.