Francesco Sandrelli, Policy Director – Environment at the UK Chamber of Shipping, emphasizes that while the maritime industry has made strides in decarbonization, there’s more to be done. A robust CII framework can encourage vessels to maximize energy efficiency, reducing reliance on new fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Sandrelli stresses the need for harmonization between regional and IMO measures to prevent market distortions. Continued dialogue is crucial to achieve this harmonization without overwhelming ship operators.
SAFETY4SEA: When it comes to sustainability, what are the key priorities on the UK Chamber of Shipping agenda for the next five years?
Francesco Sandrelli: The IMO has been very successful in increasing the level of ambition for green house gas emission reductions. However, now Member States need to demonstrate how we will reach the ‘checkpoint targets’ for 2030 and 2040 and net zero well to wake by around 2050. It is vital that economic and technical measures are workable for the industry, pragmatic, facilitating the transition and deliver the overarching goal of decarbonisation. These measures need to work together with a set of revised short-term measures. Nations, through the IMO, must now work quickly to complete impact assessments and agree on the measures to reduce the emission intensity of fuels and place a price on carbon so they can be brought forward as soon as possible. In the UK we need to see clear plans for infrastructure deployment and incentivising the take up of greener fuels as part of a long term roadmap that sets out the pathway for shipping in the UK to reach net zero. We also need to see harmonisation between regional measures and IMO measures to avoid market distortion and further discussion will be essential to achieve this harmonisation and not overburden ship operators.
S4S: What can the industry do to help engage seafarers who feel like they may not have a voice in the energy transition?
Fr.S.: Seafarers are central to the smooth running of global supply chains and this will not change as part of the energy transition. Vessels that are powered by new greener fuels will still require crews to run and maintain them. Only if we communicate clearly and make seafarers the centre of this change the transition will be successful. To be successful it will be necessary to have a new set of competencies, training, familiarisation, holistic skills and a different ‘safety mindset’. It is important that as well as training new entrants to the industry we also focus on ensuring that existing seafarers, with their years of knowledge, have the skills to remain part of the shipping community.
S4S: How does technology play a key role in helping the maritime industry comply with sustainability targets?
Fr.S.: With significant competition for near zero and zero emission fuels it is vital that shipping also minimises the utilisation of fuel and maximises its energy efficiency. Vessel optimisation does provide the opportunity to deliver immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but its impact will vary depending on the voyage and the vessel. It is likely to be most effective on longer distances voyages where there is greater opportunity for course changes. In addition, new technology and equipment such as, Carbon Capture and Storage, air lubrication and wind propulsion will be important for vessels and routes where is not possible to use near-zero or net-zero fuels.
S4S: If you could change one thing in the industry to boost sustainability efforts in the shipping industry from your perspective what would it be and why?
Fr.S.: A clear and workable CII framework can be a driver for the industry in adopting effective energy efficiency measures. This will ensure that vessels are incentivised to be as energy efficient as possible helping to reduce demand on new fuels and reduce green house gas emissions. The benefits are significant with the Maersk Mc-Kinney Centre estimating that for every $1 spent on improving energy efficiency would save $10 in costs associated with the supply of new fuels.
S4S: What is your key message to industry stakeholders towards a more sustainable future for shipping?
Fr.S.: We have made a lot of progress on decarbonising our sector but there is still more work to do. It is by working together but at institutions such as the IMO but also bilaterally that we will reach out end goals. While global instability unfortunately impacts our sector more than most we must continue to lead the way in reducing emissions from shipping and avoid becoming distracted from ensuring that our sector remains on track to reach net zero by 2050
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
