The Ship It Zero coalition sent an open letter to shipping companies, including CMA CGM Group, Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Evergreen Marine, and Ocean Network Express, urging them to invest to zero-emissions technologies and fuels.
According to the letter, the coalition notes that in considering carbon neutral fuels, fuels should be evaluated on a “lifecycle” basis, i.e. from extraction or production, through processing, to emissions resulting from use on board.
This must include any leakage, slips and venting throughout the lifecycle of that fuel. All greenhouse gases (GHGs) and co-pollutants like Black Carbon must be accounted for, not just CO2. Finally, carbon offsets cannot be included as a part of a viable decarbonization pathway
In addition, while there is no one silver bullet to decarbonize the maritime sector, there are multiple options both currently available and as emerging technologies and fossil-free fuels that will reduce and ultimately eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from international shipping.
These include efficiency retrofits, shore power, green hydrogen-based fuels, batteries, and wind. We urge you to invest in and rapidly scale up the use of these technologies in your global fleets.
The global shipping industry has and can continue to play a significant role in advancing global technologies and markets that benefit communities around the world. We must have a livable planet in order to continue to realize those benefits
Moreover, the Ship It Zero coalition added that cargo companies like CMA-CGM, Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Evergreen Marine, and Ocean Network Express have reported record-breaking profits as a result of Covid-related consumer spending and supply chain disruptions over the last two years.
It is your duty to invest these resources in reducing fossil fuel use and catalyzing the shift to zero emissions vessels. Any new investment in fossil fuels by your companies at this time is moral and economic madness
Earlier in 2022, Ship It Zero Coalition called on Walmart, Target, Amazon and IKEA to move their business to carriers that offer Zero emission solutions.
The coalition is pushed big retailers to work with international shipping companies to take immediate action to abandon fossil-fueled ships, and lead the way to a healthy, climate-friendly business model by committing to ship products on zero-emissions ships this decade.
