Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking (1) to reduce air pollution from shipping in and around UK ports, and the use of local electrical power by ships moored in those ports, and (2) to promote the use of clean fuel by ships as they approach UK ports, as is the practice in other countries including the US and China

Through the National Policy Statement for Ports, the Government has encouraged ports and shipping companies to examine the opportunities available for shore-side electricity connection, particularly in areas identified as having poor air quality.

The Government has implemented the international requirements which control emissions from ships. These require that ships in an emission control area (the North Sea, including the Channel) must either use fuel with a sulphur content which does not exceed 0.1% or use an equally effective alternative compliance method.

Moreover, ships that are berthed for at least two hours are not allowed to use fuel with a sulphur content which exceeds 0.1%.