Head of international shipping regulator says industry must do more to cut carbon pollution
In a call for action to reduce carbon pollution, Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, has highlighted the need for international shipping companies to intensify efforts in decarbonising their fleets. Speaking at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference in Germany, Dominguez expressed that there are further steps that can be taken by the industry to address the environmental impact of their operations.
One key strategy mentioned by Dominguez is the use of satellite technology to plan routes based on weather conditions, thereby minimising fuel consumption. He also recommended cleaning ship hulls to reduce water resistance and adopting practices like slow steaming, which involves reducing ship speeds to lower fuel usage and subsequently decrease pollution.
While acknowledging that some companies have begun initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Dominguez stressed the urgency of implementing all available solutions to meet the IMO’s target of a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030. A fundamental aspect of decarbonisation will involve transitioning to cleaner fuels, with industry leaders agreeing that a shift in shipping fuel is imperative.
Currently, many vessels operate on heavy fuel oil, which emits carbon dioxide as well as other pollutants. Alternative cleaner fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels offer environmentally friendly options but are still in the early stages of development and production at scale. The transition to these greener fuels will require substantial investment in production and infrastructure.
As the shipping industry accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, significant changes are necessary to curb its environmental impact. With the IMO striving for net zero emissions by 2050, the industry faces mounting pressure to accelerate decarbonisation efforts. Discussions at recent IMO meetings highlighted the potential introduction of a carbon tax to align with existing environmental policies in regions like the European Union.
Despite the challenges and differing viewpoints on a carbon tax, Dominguez emphasised the importance of immediate action by shipping companies to reduce emissions. He underlined the effectiveness of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel, but cautioned against its long-term use due to associated methane emissions.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about LNG leaks and advocate for a quicker transition to renewable energies. As the industry navigates these complexities, the upcoming IMO meetings in April will play a critical role in shaping regulations to promote sustainable practices and reduce carbon pollution in international shipping.