Theresa May, prior to stepping down as Prime Minister, announced that she will follow the commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, making Britain the first major economy to do so. The regulation includes domestic and international shipping emissions.
During ABS’ event in Athens, representatives from the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Chevron Shipping Company and Clarkson Research Services, gathered to discuss the role technology plays in the shipping industry and the path to IMO 2050.
The Union of Greek Shipowners and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association met in Hong Kong to discuss the results of MEPC 74 and the ongoing issues, as well as how the industry can best contribute to successful developments. The two associations said that they remain fully committed to the UN IMO decisions.
In light of the World Environment Day, CMA CGM published its 2018 CSR Report, according to which the Group has achieved a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions per container transported per kilometer between 2005 and 2015. It has achieved a further 17% reduction between 2015 and 2018, in line with its 2025 objective of -30%.
A sustainable solution to shipping’s decarbonization is to adopt ‘net’ zero carbon fuels. This can be achieved through the economic performance of zero-emission ships, environmental considerations, and the development and implementation of international regulations and policies, Dr Carlo Raucci, Principal Consultant, UMAS, believes.
The Chairman of the British Ports Association has urged for a return to stability and a relentless focus on creating a business environment that supports investment and skills. What is more, BPA believes that ports and shipping are very much part of the solution to UK decarbonisation challenges, but it raised concerns regarding the use of open-loop scrubbers in ports.
An ever-increasing focus on sustainability and emission requirements will require major changes for the maritime industry. That was discussed at the Autonomy Summit, which took place on June 4, in Norway. Moreover, during the summit, international players discussed how automation can contribute to emissions reductions.
ABS launched its ABS Low Carbon Shipping Outlook which defines ship technologies, operational efficiencies and alternative fuels and energy sources that are needed to achieve the 2030 and 2050 goals. To achieve cleaner and low carbon emissions, the shipping industry will need a better understanding of existing technologies and strategies while new technology, including fuels, will need to be developed.
Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg made the opening speech at Nor-Shipping 2019, during which she called the shipping industry to urgently pursue decarbonisation. She also warned that regulators are going to get far more strict on the sector soon. She believes however that there is a solution to these problems, which in fact can be found in the ocean.
Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, CEO at TOTOTHEO MARITIME & President at WISTA International, defines what sustainability means for shipping, referring to its three pillars – economic, social and environmental – and addressing also key steps to take for action.
