The Global Maritime Forum has announced that a call for action, in support of decarbonization, has been signed by 34 CEOs and industry leaders from the maritime industry, including Claus Hemmingsen of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
According to a statement, this select group supports improved operational and technical energy efficiency, a transition to zero-carbon fuels, and the creation of new propulsion systems.
The call for action also emphasizes the need for the shipping industry to phase out greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.
Afshin Mansouri and Stefanos Kokkorikos discuss the movement towards a sustainable shipping ecosystem in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Signatory CEOs, as part of the agreement, are aiming to establish a low-carbon economy by 2050, reducing emissions and creating new opportunities for business through both technological and business model innovation.
The CEOs have also encouraged public and private collaboration between organisations to steer the shipping industry safely through decarbonization.
Claus Hemmingsen, Vice CEO of Maersk, said: “The right incentives for accelerated investment into R&D can only come about if we get a global IMO based regulation. We invite stakeholders from the entire maritime spectrum to join us on this new journey.”
Simon Bennett overviews the IMO greenhouse gas strategy for a sustainable future in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Alastair Marsh, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, also commented: “An ambitious strategy consistent with the Paris Agreement temperature goals will require zero emission vessels to be entering the fleet in 2030 and form a significant proportion of newbuilds from then on.
“Different solutions have different benefits for different types of ships, it is important that solutions are not only viable from a commercial perspective but are also technically feasible and can be safely adopted and operated.”
Other leaders to sign the call for action include Jeremy Nixon, CEO of Ocean Network Express (ONE), and Patrick Rodgers, CEO of Euronav.
