The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Department of Transport have assigned the consultancy Carbon Trust with the task to produce a report on how to decarbonise the recreational marine sector. The Roadmap was published on 9 June and can be found here.

The background of this report is the UK Clean Maritime Plan, which sets out a net zero emission target, including all new vessels in UK waters designed with net zero emission capable technologies by 2025. The report provides an analysis of the current situation and key areas for decarbonisation, providing recommendations for governments’ actions. EBI was consulted on the matter and contributed with key inputs which were taken up by Carbon Trust. Some key findings of the report include the recognition of the limited proportion of emissions from the recreational sector in maritime sectors and the recognition of the need for European-wide solutions and role of the EU. Interestingly, the analysis on EU dialogue and proposals draws substantially from the ongoing European Commission initiatives.

At last, the report provides key recommendations to enable decarbonisation in the sector, such as: conducting lifecycle assessments with targets for decarbonisation; researching and investing in electrification and alternative fuels; investing in marina infrastructure for refuelling and charging; assessing and researching end-of-life boats, including potential EU-wide legislation and funding; investing in nautical tourism for a sustainable growth.

These results will then be taken forward as part of a wider strategy for the UK maritime sector.