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Written question asked by Rebecca Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Ferries: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how his Department has accounted for the availability of decarbonisation alternatives on Northern Ireland ferry routes when assessing the proportionality of ETS implementation.

Answer

The UK ETS is technology-neutral, incentivising cost-effective decarbonisation.

Through UK ETS and policies in the Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy, the Government is providing strategic certainty for investment. For example, backed by NatPower Marine's £10m of private investment, Heysham is expected to have its first shore power plug this year. The UK SHORE research programme received £448m in September 2025 to accelerate clean maritime technologies. The use of eligible sustainable maritime fuels are incentivised under the UK ETS through zero-rating.

The Government continues to engage with industry, including Northern Ireland ferry operators, to support infrastructure delivery and uptake of clean maritime technologies.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8284
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Ferries Northern Ireland Carbon emissions UK emissions trading scheme
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk