The UK Chamber of Shipping says it supports an ambitious strategy to reduce carbon emissions from shipping at the currently held Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 72 meeting.
“People understand that trade brings prosperity, but they rightly demand it is undertaken in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way,” says Guy Platten, CEO of UK Chamber of Shipping.
“The shipping industry has made huge strides in recent years – from battery-powered ferries, to the development of much more efficient engines, to a dramatic increase in the use of lower carbon LNG-fuelled ships – but we have a long way to go.
“That’s why we are supporting a reduction in carbon emissions of at least 50% by 2050 based on 2008 figures.”
According to the organisation, a global reduction strategy for carbon emissions is necessary to ensure a ‘level playing field’ for companies operating in all regions of the world.
The aim is for the shipping industry to pay its fair share and decarbonise in line with the Paris Agreement, while ensuring that international operators remain on an equal competitive footing.
The road to decarbonisation will not be easy, and will also require significant government support, says Platten.
“There is no silver bullet here. Instead, we will reduce our carbon emissions through small marginal gains in a wide range of areas – better hydrodynamics in ship designs; better planning of routes to ensure ships aren’t waiting outside ports for long periods; greater flexibility to avoid bad weather,” he notes.
“But make no mistake: these measures alone will not deliver the significant decrease in carbon emissions necessary. Only the introduction of zero-emission fuels will do that – as is the case across all modes of transport.
“There is no doubt that significant investment in Research and Development will be required – and government has a role to play. Last year the UK Government announced £250m of funding for battery research, particularly for the automotive and energy sectors.
“We know the Government is determined to prove its green credentials. In doing so, they must consider what their role will be in developing the technology necessary for shipping to decarbonise. The industry can and will play its role, but it cannot do it alone.”
Concluding, Platten suggested that compromise will be necessary for International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Member states to reach agreement:
“There are many different views from many different countries. This week it is vital that a compromise is reached. The world is watching, and they expect us to act.”
Photo credit: International Maritime Organisation
Published: 12 April, 2018
Slow steaming can only be transitory, with technology needing catch up with current requirements, explains shipbroker.
Alpha Biofuels starts bunkering onboard vessel "Martin Tiga" by converting Used Cooking Oil into biodiesel fuel (BDF).
The LNG-fuelled large coal carrier to be operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. is currently being built by Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
Development allowed within Brazilian Jurisdictional Waters until competent environmental authority has opportunity to better assess scenario.
‘In short, we cannot see reasonable justification for requiring a flashpoint value to be recorded on the BDN (unlike sulphur and density),’ says IBIA.
Dr Tristan Smith, Lead Author for IMO’s 3rd and Author of the 4th Greenhouse Gas Study, shares his thoughts on alternative marine fuels with Singapore bunkering publication Manifold Times.
‘We are here to transfer the extremely valuable knowledge gained over the past six years to the maritime sector, such that our customers are comfortable in the use of such biofuels,’ states CEO Olivier Baiwir.
Newly appointed Anthony Mollet speaks to Manifold Times about his role, vision, value proposition and plans for the Marine Fuels Alliance to become a wide-reaching and engaging bunkering industry association.
SFP will be retrofitting VPT’s existing bunker vessel with its Full Electric Ready (FER) system and seeks to commission the vessel in the second quarter of 2022, CEO of SFP George Lee tells Manifold Times.
Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services, Oldendorff Carriers, Lloyd’s Register and organisers took part in a Bunker Quality Claims Webinar moderated by Manifold Times on 10 November.
‘Though it did introduce temporary commercial and operational disruptions, we took a constructive view of the situation and chose to use this event as a learning opportunity,’ shares a Consort Bunkers spokesperson.
Gealubes Consulting & Trading, the authorised marine business distributor of PANOLIN EALs at Singapore port, shares a two-part education series on Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants on Manifold Times.
30 Nov 2021
