The Labour government's drive to achieve net zero across all sectors by 2050 could include forcing boat owners to switch their diesel engines for electric power. The new maritime decarbonisation strategy was laid out by ministers this week and included vessels using "future fuels" and plugging into shipping "charge ports" in a bid to boost the UK's prospects as a "clean energy superpower". The measures could include forcing fishing boat owners to get rid of their diesel engines, wood-fired stoves and petrol generators - and replace them with battery-powered alternatives, The Telegraph reported.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said the plans - which also include imposing a tax rise on marine fuel - would help to build "a cleaner, more resilient maritime nation". But authoritative industry voices have taken a different approach to the latest attempt at driving down emissions across the country, labelling it "complete nonsense" and something that could "destroy the industry overnight".

The changes could impact vessels across the industry's spectrum, from modest fishing boats to mega yachts - but it's unlikely any sector will be in support of potentially hefty financial upheaval.

"It's complete nonsense to have net zero on yachts," Richard Gregson, owner of Classic Yacht Brokerage, said. "The technology for electric engines on small boats isn't really there.

"The amount of diesel a yacht burns in a year is negligble, and even if the diesel engines were replaced, it would be offset by the making of electric batteries."

Jerry Percy, chief executive of the New Under Ten Fisherman's Association, added: "At the moment, we get a subsidy on diesel for fishing vessels; we pay less than you pay for it at the pumps.

"If they even remove that subsidy... three quarters of the fleet would go bankrupt."

Companies could be unwilling to invest in port infrastructure to cater for a gradual transition towards electric, he added, with harbours also potentially struggling to cover the costs of installing charging points.

"I think we need to transition [to electric energy]," Mr Percy told the newspaper, "But it's not going to be easy."

A switch to electric power for small vessels could also trigger a homelessness crisis, insiders warned, with boat dwellers forced onto land by higher basic costs.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Smaller vessels like canal boats will not face emissions pricing or fuel regulations, as our focus remains on larger ships. We are engaging with the sector to better understand the challenges that smaller vessels face and how we can support them to reduce emissions.

“The Government is committed to decarbonising the shipping industry as part of our mission to tackle climate change and establish the UK as a clean energy superpower.”