Low Carbon Shipping Outlook Suggests Industry Will Need to Do More to Meet GHG Targets
HOUSTON-Sunday 19 April 2020 [ AETOS Wire ]
(BUSINESS WIRE)
-- ABS has published the latest trends and projections on
carbon-reduction strategies for shipping as the industry looks to meet
decarbonization ambitions.
Setting the Course to Low Carbon Shipping
examines new fuels, technologies and operational measures and matches
that with forecasts for the world’s key trade lanes to envision what
shipping may look like in 2030 and 2050.
The second of
two ‘Outlook’ documents – the first was published in June 2019 – it
applies what ABS currently knows about existing and future fuels to
project which energy source could be best suited for each trade lane and
what that may mean for the design of the vessels working them.
“Maritime’s
decarbonization challenge can be regarded as a complex riddle with three
elements: vessel energy efficient technologies, operational
optimization and low and zero carbon or carbon neutral fuels. All
elements have a role to play, but we have identified that the rate of
shipping’s transition to lower carbon fuels will have the single biggest
impact on its global carbon footprint; more than any predictable shifts
in commodity demand, enhancements to operating practices, vessel
routings, or ship designs,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer. “The models in our research
suggest our industry will meet the targets for the reduction in carbon
intensity by 2050, but it might miss the target for the total GHG
emitted annually. In short, there is a gap between the industry’s
present course, and its stated ambition.”
The Outlook’s approach was supported by Maersk.
Palle B.
Laursen, Maersk Chief Technical Officer, said: “In Maersk, we have for
more than a decade been industry leaders in CO2 efficiency, and we have
set ourselves the bold target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. To
bring this ambition to life, we need to bring the first commercially
viable carbon neutral vessel into operation by 2030 already, which can
only happen if we work together across the industry and supply chain,
which is why the research from ABS on decarbonization pathways and what
shipping may look like in the future is well timed. The study is
thorough and comprehensive, and links the task ahead with practical
steps of implementation.”
ABS
collaborated with Maritime Strategies International (MSI) to create a
global scenario for the future CO2 emissions from shipping, which takes
into account the future variation of fuels used in vessels, as well as
the decarbonization of different industrial sectors on which shipping
depends. ABS also worked with Herbert Engineering Corp. (HEC) to develop
a series of tanker, bulk carrier and container ship design concepts to
explore practical options for meeting IMO greenhouse gas goals.
Research in
the Outlook suggests that, on the current trajectory, petroleum-based
fuels will still have considerable market share by 2050, which has
significant implications for meeting the emissions challenge.
To hear more from ABS sustainability experts on carbon reduction strategies for shipping, register for our upcoming webinar here.
Download a copy of Setting the Course to Low Carbon Shipping here.
About ABS
ABS, a
leading global provider of classification and technical advisory
services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting
standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused
on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital
solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and
cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational
efficiency for marine and offshore assets.
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Contacts
ABS Media Relations
Gareth Lewis
glewis@eagle.org