The ‘One Planet Shipping’ report, published by Seas At Risk, reveals that drastic changes to the whole shipping ecosystem are a must if the IMO is to hit its decarbonization goals.
The One Planet Shipping report highlights a fundamental need for a shift in maritime industry governance. As the shipping sector transitions to greener energy solutions and more efficient technologies, local and regional governments must support the change. According to Seas at Risk, this can be done through modernising port operations that allow them to handle new types of fuel, and to welcome more efficient vessels, such as those using wind-power, to minimise their impact on the environment.
Four key principles as presented in the report:
- Wind First: Wind propulsion is free, truly renewable, and viable; it should be tried first
- All Aboard: All stakeholders must be considered for a just industry transition
- Safe Load: Moving less cargo over long distances will reduce the burden on the environment and people
- Homeward Bound: Ports are vital to resilient trade networks and could be hubs for One Planet Shipping
Not only does this strengthen regional economies but it also sends a loud message to international policy-makers and bodies, such as the IMO responsible for regulating shipping, and other bodies dealing with international trade and development, One Planet Shipping notes.
Fynn Sterritt, an Olympic sailor who represented Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Olympics, expressed the urgency for tackling pollution and climate change within the shipping industry, particularly given the stark reality of sailing at the Olympics in the polluted waters of the Mediterranean.
The shipping industry is one cause of this crisis and is sailing straight into a future of ever-worsening extreme weather that threatens the lives of sailors and boats of every size. We urgently need a new vision for ‘one planet shipping’ which steers the industry to work within the biosphere’s ecological and climate limits.
… said Fynn Sterritt
Environmental concerns over port expansion
The report also highlights concerns about port development and its environmental impact. For instance, the port of Genoa, a major Mediterranean hub, has recently faced scandal and corruption linked to its expansion plans. The development, aimed at accommodating large container ships, has led to significant environmental damage, including the disruption of marine habitats due to seabed dredging.
The One Planet Shipping report advocates for prioritizing smaller ships and strategically located, compact ports closer to end destinations. By focusing on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, ports, along with local and national governments, can revitalize neglected coastal communities, create jobs, and support local economies. This approach ensures that ports continue to play a vital role in global trade while fostering sustainable and just practices.
As we adapt and evolve to combat the effects of climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity, the shipping, ports and international trade sectors must do the same. Port communities have witnessed their cultural heritage and traditional ways of life being eroded, as their vibrant coastlines, once teeming with activity, are now overshadowed by the expansion of ports and larger ships.
… commented Sian Prior, Shipping Policy Director at Seas At Risk
