The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) conducted a workshop based on the practical implementation of measures to reduce GHG emissions, which was attended by representatives of the European Commission, the European Maritime Safety Agency, the Member States, as well as industry stakeholders and environmental organisations.
Specifically, the workshop focused on the benefits and barriers of reducing the marine sector’s carbon footprint.
Therefore, the speakers presented ideas in alternative propulsion technology, as sails, hydrogen or methanol, and improving the energy efficiency of existing ships.
Also, those who participated, also discussed the limitations that exist on abatement technologies, varying from technological maturity and financing to crew training and on-board safety considerations.
Obviously, there’s no same solution for all the participants. Each part of the European Shipping Industry faces different challenges. Representatives of the tramp/bulk sector, liner shipping, short sea shipping, and off-shore vessels showcased this through a variety of actions already taken today to reduce their carbon footprint.
Martin Kröger, Chairman of ECSA’s Safety and Environment Committee and moderator of the workshop commented
EU shipowners support the International Maritime Organisation’s Initial Strategy adopted in April 2018 and are committed to being part of the solution through their continued investment in innovative and sustainable solutions.
Based on the urgency of new solutions, the European shipowners urge the EU to play a constructive role at IMO level and for global rules to be developed at international level to avoid reducing the competitiveness of European shipping.
Concluding, the EU should support Research & Innovation that will help drive the sector towards a carbon neutral future. ECSA is committed to continue engaging a constructive dialogue with the European decision makers as a trusted partner.
