UCL Energy Institute has joined the Clean Maritime Council, supporting UK’s ambitions for transition to zero emission shipping. The Clean Maritime Council is expected to construct a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector to improve air quality on and around waterways, ports and shipping lanes.
The Clean Maritime Council is a strategic advisory body tasked with informing the development and implementation of the first UK Clean Maritime Plan. It is also, bringing together experts from across the maritime sector – from industry leaders developing greener vessels, to academics studying the economics of emission reduction, including the UCL Energy Institute.
Air pollution is a major public health risk ranking alongside cancer, heart disease and obesity. In 2016, domestic shipping emissions accounted for 11% of the UK’s total domestic nitrogen oxide emissions. International shipping emissions also have a significant impact on air quality in the UK due to shipping lanes and engine operation while in UK ports.
On GHG’s, international shipping is responsible for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions, and there are projections that if no action is taken then by 2050 maritime transport emissions will account for a fifth of global CO2 emissions. UCL and Ricardo Energy & Environment also estimated that the domestic shipping industry in UK consumes 250% more fuel than previously estimated.
We’re pleased to join the Clean Maritime Council to accelerate potential solutions for shipping’s zero emissions transition. By joining the Council, we hope we can provide evidence, inspiration and focus for shipping’s collective efforts to ensure zero emissions happens swiftly and with minimal cost and disruption to trade.
Dr Tristan Smith, Reader, UCL Energy Institute said.
The UCL Energy Institute (UCL-Energy) was established as UCL’s response to the global challenges of climate change. UCL-Energy delivers world-leading learning, research and policy support on the challenges of climate change and energy security.
