Inspenet July 11, 2023.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious goal: to achieve net zero emissions for shipping “by or around 2050.” This determination was endorsed by countries around the world during a UN summit, who agreed to achieve net zero in the same period.
At the IMO annual meeting, countries also committed to intermediate targets. By 2030, the goal is to reduce emissions by 20%, while by 2040 the goal is to achieve a 70% reduction, compared to 2008 levels. Ultimately, the goal is to reach 100% by 2050.
While some nations had called for even more ambitious targets, this agreement represents an important milestone in the fight against climate change and the decarbonization of shipping.
This industry, responsible for almost 3% of global emissions, generates around a billion tons of greenhouse gases every year, equivalent to Germany’s carbon footprint. However, thanks to these commitments, shipping is poised for a green turn.
The future of sustainable shipping presents exciting technological advances. For example, wind power is making a comeback with the use of sails to power ships. The Swedish company Oceanbird has developed a prototype boat equipped with four rigid sails that not only propel the boat, but also improve its maneuverability on the water.
Other energy sources for maritime transport
Other clean energy sources are currently being explored, such as hydrogen and methanol . Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, is emerging as an emission-free fuel and although it faces logistical challenges, such as storage at extremely low temperatures, its potential is undeniable. For its part, green methanol, a low-carbon alternative, has already been adopted by major shipping companies such as Maersk.
Rechargeable batteries with renewable electricity are also present in this journey towards sustainability. While they are currently suitable for smaller vessels and short hauls, a technological advance is expected to allow their use on larger cargo ships. Furthermore, the combination of wind power and solar panels offers a promising solution to power cargo ships.
Lastly, achieving zero emissions will require strong green infrastructure in ports. Investors and governments will need to collaborate on creating green fuel generation and storage facilities, as well as retrofitting ships to run on these technologies. This transformation will not only benefit the environment, but will also generate new job opportunities and contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Shipping is on its way to a net zero emissions future. As the industry embarks on this journey, technological boundaries will be challenged and the way we navigate the seas will be transformed. Together, we are sailing towards a cleaner and more sustainable horizon.
Source and photos: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230707-what-would-net-zero-shipping-look-like
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