There is nothing new in saying the world is in need of novel ways to save on carbon emissions. Since climate change became a reality, goverments and private companies have began to work in regulation and policies that help to avoid the impact that the evolution in trade logistics is having on the environment.
There are two key dates to remember with regard to climate change action, March 21, 1994 when the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered into force, and the recent 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21), which was marked in Paris, were 197 parties participated to reach a global agreement on climate change. Despite protestations from Maersk Line, shipping was notably left from the agenda.
CARBON EMISSIONS IN MARITIME SHIPPING
Yes, we can say that maritime shipping is the most carbon-efficient way of transportation, but, should we be proud of saying that? The International Maritime Organization, in its Third IMO GHG Study 2014, calculated that total shipping emissions in the year 2012 were approximately 938 million tonnes of CO2 and 961 million for greenhouse gases (GHGs) combining CO2, CH4 and N2O.
International shipping emissions for same year are estimated to be 796 million tonnes of CO2 and 816 million tonnes of CO2e for GHGs combining CO2, CH4 and N2O. International shipping accounts for approximately 2.2% and 2.1% of global CO2 and GHG emissions on a CO2 equivalent (CO2e) basis, respectively.
THE ORIGIN OF CO2 IN SHIPPING
There are several starting points for the release of CO2 emissions in the shipping industry, but the biggest impact on the environment is coming from vessel…
