Low carbon and environmental impact

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be carried out on the overall ICP to ensure that environmental and sustainability aspects are captured and considered in the development of policies and plans.

In terms of the SEA, some respondents questioned whether environmental issues are currently a top priority for the communities that rely on ferry services. There were calls for a realistic approach which ensures that achieving targets on emissions does not come at the expense of reliable ferry service provision.

In relation to issues to be included in the SEA, the importance of reducing carbon emissions, along with moving to renewable energy sources were the most frequently identified. With respect to decarbonisation of vessel operation, there were references to potential for use of renewable energy – both electricity and green hydrogen – as power sources, with scope to use locally-generated energy highlighted. Other suggestions covered: carbon emissions associated with port operations; carbon emissions associated with the whole journey of service users; flood risk and coastal erosion; air quality; water quality; noise; biodiversity; waste management; landscape and cultural heritage impacts; and cumulative impacts.

With regard to how ferry services can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, themes raised included: improved operational efficiency; cleaner fuels; vessel design and size; freight related issues; action on electric vehicles; encouraging use of public transport and active travel; and building fixed links.