Danish Shipping to 'show the way' to emission-free shipping

Danish Shipping has launched a "Towards Zero" strategy that aims for 5% of Danish-operated vessels will run on zero-emission fuels by 2030.

PHOTO: Danish Shipping proposes that all newbuilds ordered by 2030 should be ready to run on net zero emission fuels or other such means of propulsion. Danish Shipping

Denmark's main shipping organisation, Danish Shipping, represents around 90 shipowners and offshore firms.

It says that to reach net zero shipping emissions by 2050, 5% of the fleet operated by Danish firms will have to be ready to run on bunker fuels with zero emission potential by 2030. And it highlights hydrogen, ammonia, methanol produced with renewable energy, or advanced biofuels as promising zero-emission fuels.

All newbuilds will have to be able to run on zero-emission fuels or other ways of achieving zero-emission propulsion, according to the new strategy.

Zero-emission bunker fuel and vessel engine technologies are still at a nascent stage of development, with only a fraction of the global fleet running on them.

“The new strategy ‘Towards Zero’ therefore aims to accelerate the transition of shipping to becoming emission-free. Together with the government, we can show the way – not only in Denmark but globally,” says Jacob Meldgaard, chief executive of oil shipping company TORM and chairman, Danish Shipping.

The industry body’s initiative covers large container ships, passenger ferries, offshore service vessels as well as rigs. It invites shipping companies, investors and operators, and other interested parties to join the initiative.