Swedish Shipowners Association expressed its disappointment over the outcome of COP21 and announced its commitment to developing a fossil-fuel free future by joining the Swedish governments Fossil Free initiative and adopting a Climate Roadmap.
”The Swedish Shipowners Association, which represents the Swedish shipping industry is disappointed that shipping was not included in the new climate agreement that was struck in Paris by countries represented at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is our view that delegates in Paris failed to seize the moment to make a direct statement to the shipping industry about its commitments, and that more needs to be done to tackle the climate challenge.” the Association said in a statement.
The Swedish shipping industry has one of the best track records of positive involvement in the development of innovative environmental solutions, and this will continue despite the Paris Agreement lacking a direct mention of shipping. As part of a growing drive to ensure industry takes a more proactive role in climate action the Swedish Shipowners’ Association joins a Swedish Government initiative “Fossil free Sweden” which targets the reduction of fossil fuels from industry and society.
Pia Berglund, managing director of the Swedish Shipowners Association says the Swedish shipping industry has high ambitions, just as the government does.
“It is natural that we support the government initiative of a fossil free Sweden and our hope is that the government can support our industry with its innovation for the development of truly sustainable shipping,” she says.
The Assocation has also launched its own Climate Road Map which has been handed over to the Minister of Environment and Climate Mrs Åsa Romson. The road map sets out our ambition and goals to work towards a fossil free shipping industry, Pia Berglund also points out.
“In order to be successful with a fossil fuel free vision, significant effort is required by industry in combination with increased national and international funding and support for further research, innovation and implementation,” says Pia Berglund.
“It will need more than technical development or research to fulfil the objective of zero waste – zero emission. It will require a complete and broad reassessment of the whole transport chain. By joining the initiative launched by the Swedish government we are demonstrating our willingness to play our part.”
Learn more about the initiative “Fossil free Sweden” by clicking here
Source: Swedish Shipowners Association
