Politics Home Article | UK’s first net zero port

Port of Dover has achieved its highly ambitious net zero Scope 1 and 2 target, ‘Target 2025’, positioning it as the first UK port to reach net zero.

It has done so an incredible five years ahead of any other UK port and 25 years ahead of the Government’s own maritime net zero target.

Since 2007, Dover’s carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 have fallen dramatically by a staggering 98.3%, with the residual 1.7% of emissions being offset through an approved local regenerative farming scheme. 

The Port’s announcement has come after emissions were independently verified against ISO 14064: 2018 and the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard to ensure accuracy.

Operating on one of the busiest shipping corridors in the world, the Port of Dover / Short Straits system accounts for eight percent of all UK international maritime emissions, so this news is a major step forward for the future of maritime decarbonisation.

That importance, and the disproportionate benefits that the shortest sea crossing delivers for Britain and its single biggest trading partner, means that there is a fantastic opportunity for the Port, in partnership with government, to demonstrate significant global leadership in maritime decarbonisation and avoid future UK, European and global carbon levies.

Decarbonising the Short Straits is not, however, just about doing the right thing for the planet, as important as that is for the port.  It will keep consumer and supply chain prices down at a time of ongoing pressure on energy prices and the wider cost of living, reflecting the crucial role that Dover plays for the whole nation.

With 130 ferry movements a day facilitating £144 billion of trade per annum – that’s a third of the UK’s trade in goods with the EU – ‘Target 2025’ represents a key milestone on Port of Dover’s mission to establish the Short Straits as the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor.

On its journey to leadership on the global stage, the port has already been recognised by the Ecoports Port Environmental Review System, the main environmental management standard of the European ports sector.

“Dover’s leadership sets an inspiring example for all other ports across Europe and beyond.” (Tim Verhoeven, EcoPorts Coordinator)

There is incredible pride at the port, particularly in the way its in-house environment team have implemented modern and forward-thinking assets, sustainable processes and progressive behaviours across all areas of the port to get here.  This has given Dover the tools for its customers, partners and internal stakeholders to follow. 

One such example is the Port’s SEA (Safety and Environment Awareness) Award, a Dover-created initiative which recognises cruise lines that minimise their environmental footprint whilst in port through emissions reduction and recycling.

Dover’s committed sustainability drive is an essential part of its masterplan to 2050, helping to protect the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth, whilst future-proofing its operation and business on the UK’s key trade artery.

The Port’s longer-term ambitions require strong partnerships with industry and government, and the Port is already working hard with both.  Its Scope 1 and 2 achievements have, nevertheless, all been accomplished through its own drive and determination to champion sustainable maritime trade and travel through a range of targeted measures.  These have included the use of alternative fuels, renewable energy generation and efficiency initiatives.