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60 seconds with...Jon Hood, Transport and Environment

Institution News Team

With clear targets for emissions reductions to be made across the marine sector, Jon outlines the UK government's response ahead of his presentation at the IMechE's upcoming Marine Engineering seminar.

For further details and to book your place, please visit the event website.

Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to marine engineering and decarbonisation

Jon Hood (JH): Transport & Environment is Europe’s leading clean transportation think-tank and advocacy group. Our UK shipping programme was set up in 2022 and aims to support the sector’s transition to Net Zero in line with the UK’s international treaty obligations. Based on rigorous analysis, we provide pragmatic, evidence-based policy solutions to the challenges of maritime decarbonisation in the UK.

What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?

JH: According to the Climate Change Committee, the UK has “no credible policies” to ensure UK shipping emissions meet the requirements of the carbon budgets. The updated Clean Maritime Plan is 2 years overdue and counting, with no publication date given. With every passing month, the already considerable challenge of decarbonising the UK’s shipping sector becomes greater. Industry needs certainty and the Government is not providing it.

What will you be presenting at the IMechE: Marine Engineering seminar and how will this benefit participants?

JH: A vision for a UK policy and regulatory framework for zero-emission shipping. This will set out the scale of the shipping emissions reduction challenge facing the sector, and the sorts of policies needed in the coming years. These include a fuel emissions standard, a mandate for zero-emission fuels and measures to address at-berth emissions.

Which other speakers and presentations are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?

JH: We need to be well-prepared for the rapid implementation of zero-emission maritime energy solutions at scale, so the technical focus of this seminar is very welcome. Particular challenges will be on-board use of alternative fuels, fuelling infrastructure in ports and associated safety standards, and it will be very informative to hear more about these areas.

Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?

JH: A strong and coordinated industry voice is an essential part of the process of government policymaking.

The Institution's Marine Engineering: Alternative Fuels for Decarbonisation seminar will take place on 25 June 2024 at the Southampton Football Club

Bringing together representatives from across the sector, including Transport & Environment, Lloyd's Register, BMT, Carnival Corporation and others, the seminar will discuss the challenges of meeting emissions targets and the progress made toward switching to hydrogen, methanol and ammonia for the future of low carbon propulsion.

For further details and to book your place, please visit the event website.

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