The Government are clear that shipping emissions must be tackled and that the shipping sector must operate under carbon limits. We believe that a coordinated multilateral maritime carbon emissions trading system is the best option for delivering cost-effective reductions while maintaining a thriving shipping sector.
The Government actively support the development of such a scheme under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization. If this proves impossible we would support inclusion of maritime emissions in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. However, because of the world-wide nature of the shipping industry, the Government believe that any action by the EU should be seen as a stepping stone to future global agreements on international shipping emissions.
We are working with industry and our European partners to develop further the maritime emissions trading concept.