"Sir Keir Starmer Warned: Net Zero Tax on Container Ships Could Spike Prices and Hurt British Consumers"

Published on October 16, 2025 at 11:17 PM
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MSC Loreto docked at Felixstowe port, with Maersk Horsburgh passing in the background. Maersk Horsburgh sails past the world’s largest cargo ship, MSC Loreto, while it is docked at the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk. This vessel, sharing the title of world’s largest with its sister ship MSC Irina, measures 400 meters in length and can accommodate over 24,346 containers. Picture taken on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. PA Photo. Photo credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire Credit: PA

A NET Zero tax on container ships is expected to increase prices and disappoint British consumers, according to warnings from Sir Keir Starmer.

The Prime Minister is standing firm by supporting a levy on vessels.

Claire Coutinho, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, speaking at the Conservative Party Conference. Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has cautioned that Labour’s green shipping tax will elevate costs for UK consumers and provide China with a competitive advantage. Credit: Alamy

The Shadow Secretary warned that this initiative could “drown the shipping industry in a sea of global regulations.”

“The plan will lead to increased costs for British goods, higher prices for consumers, and will directly benefit China,” she stated to The Telegraph.

“Keir Starmer lacks resolve, and once again Labour is allowing international bureaucrats to dictate the rules while our ship owners and exporters bear the costs.”

Britain, the EU, and China are in favor of the initiative, while the US and Gulf states oppose it.

The United States has threatened sanctions against any countries that agree to it, warning that it could raise consumer prices by 10 percent.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, mentioned that the potential impact could be “devastating” for shipping costs.

If the vote passes on Friday, it will mark the first instance of global tariffs being imposed on ships that emit excessive carbon dioxide.

The government has stated that the UK “strongly” supports the net zero agreement, which aims to reduce emissions and create economic opportunities.

Read more on this story from .

MSC Loreto docked at Felixstowe port, with Maersk Horsburgh passing in the background. A net zero tax on container ships is anticipated to raise prices and disappoint British consumers, Sir Keir Starmer has been cautioned. Credit: PA ### Table of Contents 1. Overview of NET Zero Tax on Container Ships 2. Statements from Key Political Figures 3. Reactions from the United States 4. Potential Impacts of the Tax 5. Conclusion ### FAQ

What is the NET Zero tax on container ships?

The NET Zero tax is a proposed levy on container ships that exceed certain carbon dioxide emissions, aimed at reducing environmental impact.

How will the NET Zero tax affect British consumers?

It is expected to increase costs for British goods and subsequently raise prices for consumers.

What are the international reactions to the NET Zero tax?

While Britain, the EU, and China support the tax, the US and Gulf states oppose it, with the US threatening sanctions against countries that implement it.

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