At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) held on October 7-8, 2020, representatives from ports, shipping companies, green fuel producers, shipbuilders, financial institutions, and logistics operators signed a landmark declaration to advance the creation of green shipping corridors. The declaration emphasizes collective action to reduce the shipping industry’s environmental impact and accelerate decarbonization efforts, reports Offshore Energy.
Key Signatories and Participants
The declaration was signed by prominent organizations such as CMA CGM Germany, Hapag-Lloyd AG, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), among others. These stakeholders from across the maritime supply chain are collaborating to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through green shipping corridors—designed to enable more sustainable and efficient maritime transport.
Addressing Shipping’s Environmental Impact
The global shipping industry accounts for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, releasing approximately 940 million tonnes annually. Without significant intervention, these emissions are projected to more than double by 2050. Recognizing this challenge, the signatories underscored the urgent need to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of international shipping.
Commitment from Maritime Leaders
Jens Meier, President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), which represents 180 ports in 84 countries, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering collaboration within the maritime supply chain. He emphasized the need for joint efforts to decarbonize shipping and establish green corridors that transcend traditional competition between ports.
Similarly, Friedrich Stuhrmann, Managing Director of the HPA, highlighted Hamburg’s leadership in sustainability, noting the port’s pioneering role as the first in Europe to offer shore-side electricity for both cruise and container ships. He pledged that Hamburg would continue to work with key players in the maritime value chain to create a more sustainable future and position the port as a global leader in green innovation.
Aligning with Global Climate Goals
The declaration aligns with international climate targets, including the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The signatories recognized the importance of immediate action to achieve net zero GHG emissions from shipping by 2050, in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Greenhouse Gas Strategy. They also called on governments to play a crucial role in facilitating the energy transition necessary to meet these ambitious goals.
The cooperation forged at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference represents a pivotal step toward creating a greener, more sustainable shipping industry, with ports and shipping companies taking the lead in shaping a decarbonized future.
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Source: Offshore Energy
