The Department for Transport has published a call for evidence titled "Net zero ports: challenges and opportunities" that seeks information on how to decarbonise port operations and the vessels that use them. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

The document is presented as a closed call for evidence on the GOV.UK website and is linked to a 36-page PDF that sets out the questions the department is asking industry and stakeholders to consider. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

The paper sets out that the department will use the evidence gathered to inform policy on net zero carbon practices for vessels when they are docked at ports. The call frames its purpose as understanding current activities, challenges and developments at ports as they seek to reduce emissions. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

Among the discrete topics the DfT asks contributors to address are deployment of decarbonising infrastructure and onsite energy generation, the ports’ refuelling capabilities, and current and future electricity requirements. These items form the core technical and infrastructure questions listed in the call. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

The department also seeks evidence on growth opportunities that decarbonisation might deliver for ports and related sectors, and on the current state of decarbonisation across the port estate. In addition, the call asks how ports can enable their tenants and the wider shipping sector to reduce emissions. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

Published material on the GOV.UK page records the item as a government call for evidence and links the exercise to the broader maritime decarbonisation strategy, indicating that the responses are intended to feed into that strategic work. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

Scope and technical focus

The call’s question set is notably technical in focus, with separate prompts on electricity demand, onsite generation and refuelling infrastructure. Respondents are therefore being asked to provide practical detail on existing capacity and foreseeable needs rather than only high-level commentary. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

This approach implies the department is seeking material that could be translated into operational or regulatory policy rather than solely aspirational targets, though the document itself leaves the exact policy outcomes for later stages of the process. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

Document status and next steps

The entry on GOV.UK presents the call as first published in March 2025 with updates recorded thereafter and links to the full PDF evidence package hosted by the government. The page designation and the accompanying PDF are the official record of the questions the department has posed. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))

Responses to the call for evidence will provide the material the department has requested to inform future policy on how ports and ships alongside them should reduce carbon emissions when alongside. The department’s stated intention is to use the material to shape policy for net zero practices in ports. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/net-zero-ports-challenges-and-opportunities))