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Written question asked by Greg Smith (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Keir Mather (Labour) on Friday, 29 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Ferries: Carbon Emissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that regional domestic ferry operators affected by a lack of grid capacity and grid connections are supported to meet the goals of the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.

Answer

The Government is aware that grid connectivity is a challenge for the maritime sector. Government is taking action to reform the grid connections process to ensure that ports can access the grid connections that they need, including to enable ferry electrification.

Through the policies set out in the Government’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and our international work at the International Maritime Organization, we have set a strategic framework that provides the certainty that the sector needs to invest in maritime decarbonisation, supported by our £448m research programme in maritime fuels and technologies, UK SHORE.

This Government will also continue to work with Ofgem, the independent energy regulator, in its work to incentivise network companies to invest strategically ahead of need, ensuring that future grid capacity planning better reflects the emerging demands from electrifying sectors, including the ferry sector.

We ran a call for evidence on ports’ energy needs to inform our future maritime emissions policy. A response will be published later this year.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1260
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Ferries Carbon emissions Electrification
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk