The UK alongside the US, Norway, and the Netherlands will roll out end-to-end decarbonised shipping routes.

Joint statements were made on the backdrop of the UN Climate Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Green shipping corridors are specific maritime routes decarbonised from end to end, including both landside infrastructure and vessels.

Setting up such routes involves using zero-emission fuel or energy, putting in place refuelling or recharging infrastructure at ports, and deploying zero-emission capable vessels to demonstrate cleaner, more environmentally friendly shipping.

In particular, the UK and the US have agreed to launch a special Green Shipping Corridor Task Force focused on bringing together experts in the sector to encourage research and development.

Committing to roll out green shipping corridors will help the sector to comply with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C by the end of the century.

“The challenges posed by climate change are clear and the need to decarbonise maritime has never been greater,” said UK Transport Secretary, Mark Harper.

“That’s why we’ve committed to work alongside global partners to clean up the sector, improve air quality in and around our ports and coastal communities, and drive green investment into our economy.”

The international maritime sector is currently responsible for almost 3 per cent of global emissions.

“Green corridors can play an essential role in stimulating early action to adopt low and net-zero emission technologies and fuels,” said UK Chamber of Shipping CEO, Sarah Treseder.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome step in the international action required to decarbonise shipping.

“The UK shipping community is committed to working with the UK government in securing bold action at the International Maritime Organization to provide more ambitious and concrete decarbonisation strategies.”

The government also recently launched a £60 million ($68.8 million) clean maritime demonstration competition on World Maritime Day to fund emission reductions across the sector.