Exploring the remaining challenges in decarbonising UK shipping

Shipping’s decarbonisation will require major investment to the fleet and infrastructure and the next decade of investments is critical to scale the transition. The role of policy makers in providing a clear direction and de-risking key technologies, the accuracy and availability of data for climate-aligned decision making and the role of key supply chain stakeholders, are key to unlocking investments and accelerating the decarbonisation of shipping as shown in the work of the DUKFT network.

Join us for a discussion on the challenges associated with the transition of the shipping sector to zero emissions and provide your input on the solutions, investments and key remaining research questions that will enable us to get there.

Provisional Agenda

0930 - 1000: Arrival & tea/coffee 1

1000 - 1030: Welcome, introductions & starter activity discussion

1030 - 1115: Problem framing - decarbonising UK shipping

1115 - 1215: Discussion on solutions and timeframes for intervention

1215 - 1245: Lunch

1245- 1345: System interdependencies and lessons learned from other sector transitions

1345 - 1445: Where is the evidence/research needed on the solutions/interventions

1445 - 1515: Coffee

1515 - 1600: Key takeaways and next steps

The workshop will seek to answer questions on the following topics:

1. What are the system boundaries to the shipping GHG emissions ‘problem’?

2. The origin of GHG emissions from shipping

3. Discussions of key technologies, socioeconomic aspects and identification of challenges arising from domestic and international emissions framing

4. What are the key timeframes to consider for interventions to reduce shipping emissions to achieve full decarbonisation by 2050?

5. Identification of system interdependencies with other sectors and lessons learned from other sector transitions

6. Most critical multidisciplinary challenges that should be addressed

The workshop is aimed at the academics but participation across the shipping stakeholder space is encouraged, in particular, fleet owners and operators, financiers, charterers, ports, policy makers and other research institutes.

The outputs from the workshop will help to define strategy and future investments by the UKRI and EPSRC in this area and improve engagement with the newly established UKSHORE office.

This workshop is designed for researchers, academics and people working in fields related to shipping decarbonisation. Your registration will be dependant on this criteria.

This workshop will be held in person and online. It is free to attend. For those attending in person lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Decarbonising UK Freight Transport (DUKFT) is a network of over forty industry and academic partners funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The network is exploring the questions that need to be answered to enable the decarbonisation of energy/propulsion across the road, rail, sea and air freight modes.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK. EPSRC’s diverse portfolio ranges from digital technologies to clean energy, manufacturing to mathematics, advanced materials to chemistry. EPSRC invests in world-leading research and skills to advance knowledge and deliver a sustainable, resilient and prosperous UK.