Over 90 per cent of international trade depends on maritime transportation, which is crucial to the global economy since it provides a reliable and affordable alternative to other modes of transportation. However, shipping alone contributes to nearly 3 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This prompted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and private enterprises to launch campaigns to promote green shipping and make environmental sustainability a priority.
Bogdan Iancu, University Lecturer, Åbo Akademi University, Sébastien Lafond, Professor in Software Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, and Hergys Rexha, Researcher, Åbo Akademi University
The global supply chain, a dynamic web connecting the farthest reaches of the world, orchestrates the movement of goods with precision and efficiency. Within this complex environment, international ports serve as gateways and nerve centres through which the ecosystem is orchestrated, thereby ensuring the seamless flow of commerce across borders.
Werner Fontanive, Fellow at the Center for the Edge, Deloitte, and Stefan Kalmund, CEO, Nexxiot
Transportation is one of the world's largest contributors to global emissions, hence climate change.
Since the introduction of the container, global trade has taken unprecedented growth, fostered by ever decreasing costs. At the tip of our fingers, the global shopping window is exposing itself to the global consumer.
On 7 July 2023, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States meeting in the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted the "2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships" (2023 IMO GHG Strategy), with enhanced targets to tackle harmful emissions.
The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy represents the continuation of work by IMO as the appropriate international body to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.
Rakin Rahman, Staff Reporter, Port Technology International, interviewing Roel Hoenders, Head Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency, Marine Environment Division, IMO
Nine of the top 10 ocean carriers’ recent commitment to a fully standardised, electronic bill of lading (eBL) by 2030 is a significant step towards fully digitalising container shipping processes. Digitalisation is important for many reasons, not least because it builds resilience into global trade’s complex supply chains. It enables more accurate and timely information to be rapidly and seamlessly exchanged so that all stakeholders can have true visibility into the whereabouts of goods as they make their way across supply chains.
Niels Nuyens, Digital Trade Program Director, DCSA
