The Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM Hubs) on Wednesday (2 October) welcomed the government of Greece and new partners ABS, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, OCIMF and the World Economic Forum to the initiative that aims to accelerate and de-risk the production, transport and use of low-carbon fuels that will be transported by shipping for the world. 

Greece is one of the leading maritime countries in the world, representing 20% of global shipping and is largest ship-owning nation in dwt, and will play a significant role in driving forward the initiative.

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Greece, Mr. Theodoros Skylakakis, highlights that: “The protection of the marine environment is at the top of Greece’s political agenda. The contribution of the oceans and seas is not only vital for the regulation of the climate, but also for our very survival on the planet.”

“Climate change as well as marine pollution, through (amongst others) unsustainable maritime transport, lead to the destruction of the marine environment and the loss of the unique biodiversity. We are therefore committed to the CEM- Hubs Initiative and are happy to join forces with all other partners to achieve our shared goals.”

The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy Greece, Mr. Christos Stylianides, said: “Greece decided to join the CEM Hubs platform on the basic understanding that promoting the worldwide use and transportation of low-carbon fuels at scale is the most essential prerequisite for the energy transition of shipping.

“Being a traditional maritime nation with a strong interest in the provision of maritime transport services worldwide, and as a shipping hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, we will be delighted to work with all CEM Hubs partners and contribute to its objectives.”

New partners joining the initiative each bring unique skills and expertise to evolve the CEM Hubs to the next level. The World Economic Forum is the international organization for public-private cooperation, providing a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders. ABS is a global leader in providing classification services for marine and offshore assets.

Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub is also a leading provider in decarbonisation services to the marine industry. Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas.

The announcement was made during the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting (CEM15) which supports the G20 Energy Transition Agenda. The maritime industry and energy Ministers met to discuss how to move forward with the implementation of the infrastructure architecture for future fuels production, transport and use across countries and sectors, including shipping.

Roberto Bocca Head, Centre for Energy and Materials; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum, said: “Embracing a low-emissions energy system will require resilient digital and physical infrastructure to support the deployment of new technologies. Industrial clusters such as marine hubs will play a critical role in establishing the necessary infrastructure for a multi-fuel future. This partnership between the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative and the Clean Energy Marine Hubs aims to accelerate public-private collaboration to drive economic growth, employment and reducing emissions.”

The CEM Hubs initiative, which is co-led by a taskforce of CEOs, is a partnership between the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

Note: More information on the initiative can be found here.

Photo credit: International Chamber of Shipping
Published: 4 October, 2024