Global shipping giants unite on need to reduce emissions
November 1, 2011
A coalition of global shipping companies and NGOs have agreed an ambitious roadmap aimed at achieving a “step-change” in the industry’s carbon emissions through to 2040.
The objectives, outlined in a document entitled The Vision for 2040, includes making greater of use of renewable energy and designing vessels that can be recycled.
Vision for 2040 has been produced by Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), part of the UK-based think-tank Forum for the Future, and is endorsed by some of the shipping industry’s biggest operators, including Maersk Line.
Each of the 15 operators endorsing the report has agreed to communicate the work it is doing to curb environmental impact and open this up to SSI scrutiny as part of a biannual reporting process.
They also all acknowledge that work to cut emissions must begin immediately if the 2040 vision is to be achieved.
Shipper Unilever’s chief supply chain officer, Pier-Luigi Sigismondi, said: “With shipping being an increasingly important part of the supply chain, this represents a unique opportunity to reduce environmental impact right across the industry.”
Emissions from the shipping sector account for just over 3% of the global total, and are predicted to increase 150-250% over the next 40 years.
Vision for 2040 says: “The anticipated, radical changes in the external operating environment indicate an urgent need to reshape the way in which shipping business is conducted.
“Our vision sets out our aspirations for 2040. But we cannot wait until 2040 to become sustainable; we need to act today.”
While international negotiations have resulted in technical efficiency standards designed to lower emissions between 25% and 30% by 2030, SSI said further progress would require a global “beyond-compliance” standard.
