Global shipping can halve emissions without impacting trade - study
A recent study by consulting firm CE Delft shows that it is technically possible to reduce shipping emissions by 28-47% by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.
PHOTO: Exhaust gases flow from the funnel of a cruise ship. Getty Images
According to CE Delft's white paper, the global shipping industry has the potential to cut emissions by nearly 50% by the end of this decade. By lowering vessel speeds and using other operational measures about half of the emission reduction can be achieved. Wind-assisted propulsion accounts for a quarter of the reductions, and the utilisation of zero- or low-carbon fuels accounts for another quarter.
“Ships can achieve 36-47% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2008 levels by deploying 5-10% zero or near-zero emission fuels, wind-assist technologies, and by ‘climate optimising’ the speed of ships,” stated the paper.
The study also highlighted that costs associated with emission reductions can be under the control of the maritime industry. “Halving emissions in this decade would only add around 10% to the total cost of shipping operations,” claims CE Delft.
The report further states that achieving net-zero emissions in shipping by 2040 is "economically and technically" feasible.
The study comes at a time when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) gears up for the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) meeting next week. The maritime regulator is expected to revise its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets for shipping during MEPC 80.
Environmental organisation Transport & Environment, Ocean Conservancy and Pacific Environment were also part of this study.
By Aparupa Mazumder
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