BRITISH Shipping Minister John Hayes said he will finds ways to use taxpayers' money to help pay for a government mandate for ships to use costly low-sulphur fuel from January.
Speaking at the annual reception hosted by the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG), Mr Hayes said he would explore options for subsidies for those operating in the emissions control areas in the English channel, the North and Baltic seas.
“We have to shout louder. I am very keen to do that,?said Mr Hayes, who took over as minister of state for shipping in a cabinet reshuffle last July.
At the time the Conservative MP pledged to work with the industry to ensure that Brussels did not impose regulations on ports that damaged business. He also pledged to fight Brussels over any threat to the competitiveness of UK ports.
UKMPG, which represents 42 ports including Southampton, Felixstowe, Liverpool, London Gateway and Bristol, hopes to minimise government interference.
UKMPG chief executive Simon Bird said legislation from Brussels inhibits growth and employment.
“Despite the success of the sector and the massive contribution it makes to jobs, the economy and taxation, it is currently under siege from the threat of Brussels red tape,?said Mr Bird.