The government has announced plans to create the world's first 'green shipping corridors' between the UK and Europe, connecting major destinations such as Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Dublin.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable fuels, secure green jobs and advance environmentally friendly travel within Europe.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane revealed on October 17 that up to £9 million will be invested to decarbonise shipping and boost the green jobs of the future.
Mike Kane described the green corridors as a ‘game changer’ and stressed that shipping is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is exactly the direction we need to be going in to achieve our mission of becoming a clean energy superpower.
“These new corridors could turbocharge the use of sustainable fuels, secure the green jobs of the future and advance environmentally friendly travel to major European capitals like Amsterdam and Dublin,” said Mike.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is funding the development of several projects, including routes from the Port of Tyne to the Port of Ijmuiden in the Netherlands and from the Port of Holyhead to the Port of Dublin.
Additional green shipping routes from the UK to Norway and Denmark are also in development, with leading organisations to be announced soon.
Green corridors are defined as zero emission maritime routes between two or more ports.
Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne believes the River Tyne is now at the forefront of greening international logistics and said: “This important green infrastructure will ensure that the Port of Tyne and the Port of Ijmuiden are supporting decarbonised routes between the North East of England and Europe with the aim of saving up to 850,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
“Bolstered by the Maritime Innovation Hub, the Port of Tyne continues to drive sustainable innovation and act as a focal point for a growing European decarbonised distribution network for green trade and passenger journeys.”
During COP26 the UK reportedly spearheaded the development of these corridors through the launch of the Clydebank Declaration.
Once established, these routes will only be accessible to zero emission vessels, potentially transforming the 'fast shopping' industry and making global shipment of goods more environmentally friendly.
In addition to the major routes, 30 projects across the country will receive a share of the funding to advance smarter, cleaner shipping technologies such as autonomous systems, AI, robotics and sensors.