Charting Australia's Maritime Emissions Reductions

The Australian Government has legislated an economy-wide target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. To deliver on this commitment, the Government is developing a Net Zero Plan, including six sectoral decarbonisation plans covering electricity and energy, transport, industry and waste, agriculture and land, resources and the built environment. For the transport sector, the Government is developing a Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan to examine GHG emissions reduction pathways across all transport modes (road, aviation, maritime and rail), including supporting infrastructure. One element of the transport sectoral plan is a Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP).

The MERNAP is being prepared through a series of thematic issues papers.

The MERNAP aims to:

• support Australia’s national emissions reduction targets and contribute to global shipping decarbonisation;
• future-proof the Australian maritime sector and avoid a later accelerated, costly and disruptive transition by setting early signals;
• signal to global partners Australia’s clear pathway to net zero emission shipping in our waters and ports; and
• promote an equitable transition for the maritime sector, particularly for the maritime workforce.

Relevant document

Following the consultation on the four issues papers, the Department is drafting the Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan. We expect the draft to be delivered to the Government for their consideration by the end of 2024.