Their goal is to create both a responsible and profitable maritime sector
Some of the biggest names in shipping today called on the industry to take far-reaching action to create a maritime sector which is socially and environmentally responsible and profitable.
Members of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, a global coalition drawn from across the sector, launched a Case for Action analysing the global trends which will shape the future of shipping, and announced: Our goal is to transform the global shipping industry and the wider maritime sector, establishing a new, sustainable approach as the norm.
They called on industry leaders to:
-create a shared vision of how the industry should develop over the next 30 years;
– repare for greater scrutiny and demands from customers and society with regard to social and environmental performance;
– uild and convert ships to the highest standards of energy efficiency in anticipation of high and volatile fuel prices and demands for low-carbon performance;
– rive the development of co-ordinated, progressive legislation that rewards sustainability;
– evelop innovative business models that encourage long-term investment and take into account social and environmental obligations.
Soren Stig Nielsen, Head of Sustainability, Maersk Line, said: “By creating a shared vision for sustainable growth, we can plot a new ambitious course. A course where shipping is viewed as a key enabler of responsible and sustainable economic development.”
The Sustainable Shipping Initiative brings together leaders from across the maritime sector with Forum for the Future and WWF. Its members are: shipowners and charterers BP Shipping, Cargill, Gearbulk, IMC, Maersk Line, Morgan Stanley, Rio Tinto Marine and Tsakos Energy Navigation ; shipbuilders, engineers and service providers Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Wartsila; ABN Amro bank; RSA insurance; and the classification society Lloyds Register.
Tom Boardley, Marine Director at Lloyds Register, emphasised the importance of commercial interests working with technical expertise. One of the real strengths of this initiative is the marriage of ship operating and ship engineering capability.
Source: Seatrade Asia