Green shipping corridors
The shipping industry is responsible for nearly 3% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions and is aiming to reduce its carbon footprint. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plans to cut emissions in half by midcentury and is considering even more ambitious targets. To achieve this, the concept of “green shipping corridors” has emerged, focusing on major routes like the one between Los Angeles and Shanghai. These corridors aim to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and methods by bringing together fuel producers, vessel owners, cargo owners, and ports. Over 20 partnerships for these corridors have been proposed, with the expectation that they will materialize in the coming years. The ultimate goal is to achieve significant changes in vessels and infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry.
Front-runners
Los Angeles and Shanghai have formed a partnership to create a green shipping corridor. The goal is to have zero-emissions trucks transport containers from factories in China to the Port of Shanghai. The containers will then be loaded onto zero-emissions cargo handling equipment and transported on a carbon-free vessel across the Pacific Ocean to the Port of Los Angeles. Similar agreements have been made between Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Singapore, with additional corridors planned in various regions. Green corridors are seen as effective tools to unite the shipping value chain and turn climate ambitions into action. However, there are concerns about the practical implementation and the need for a cultural shift in the industry. Nevertheless, experts believe that the shipping industry will be able to achieve zero emissions by 2050 through the development of new approaches within these green corridors.
Pressure builds
The majority of traded goods, including items in our pantries and closets, are transported by commercial ships. These ships, some larger than four football fields, carry thousands of containers filled with consumer products. Although ship emissions are less noticeable than those from trucks, they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and can cause complaints in port communities. Maritime trade volumes are expected to triple by 2050, potentially increasing the industry’s share of greenhouse gas emissions to 15%. However, the Paris climate accord does not include maritime shipping in its emissions reduction goals due to the international nature of the industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has responded to the pressure by setting a plan in 2018 to reduce emissions by 50% by the midcentury. An upcoming update may introduce more ambitious targets. While some countries, including the US and Europe, support a zero-emission goal, there is no consensus on how to achieve it. Various proposals have been put forward, such as slowing down vessels or implementing emissions charges. However, fewer than half of large shipping companies have committed to meeting international carbon objectives. Despite the challenges, there is optimism that decarbonizing global shipping is achievable, given the determination of industry players like A.P. Moller-Maersk.
But how?
To replace the environmentally harmful bunker fuel used in commercial ships, various propulsion methods are being considered. Liquid natural gas (LNG) is currently the most popular alternative, with 923 out of 1,349 non-conventional fuel-powered commercial vessels using it. However, LNG has drawn criticism from environmentalists due to its methane emissions. Battery-hybrid systems and methanol are also being explored as cleaner alternatives, with methanol considered an emerging option. Moller-Maersk plans to launch cargo vessels powered by “green methanol” produced from renewable sources, and they are also researching ammonia- or hydrogen-powered vessels. Norsepower has developed “rotor sails,” which harness wind energy to propel ships and have shown significant fuel savings. Thirteen ships are already using these sails or have them on order. Fleetzero advocates for electric ships with rechargeable battery packs, envisioning smaller and more agile vessels that can swap batteries at ports. Their prototype ship is set to begin delivering cargo later this year. These innovative propulsion methods play a crucial role in the decarbonization of the shipping industry and contribute to creating greener shipping corridors.
Who goes first?
Before investing in low-emission vessels, companies require assurance that clean fuels will be available and affordable. Fuel producers, in turn, need a sufficient number of ships using their fuels to ensure a strong market. Additionally, port infrastructure must be updated to accommodate new-generation ships, including electrical hookups and clean fuel dispensing mechanisms. However, ports are hesitant to make expensive upgrades without sufficient demand to justify the investment. Government regulations and funding for green shipping corridors, along with support from shipping industry customers, are crucial for success. The organization Cargo Owners for Zero-Emission Vessels, which includes companies like Amazon, Michelin, and Target, has pledged to exclusively use zero-emission shipping companies by 2040. Their commitment provides confidence to the rest of the supply chain to make the necessary investments. Government regulation, corridor funding, and corporate support are key factors in driving the adoption of cleaner shipping practices.
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Source: Ind Dist
