Danish shipping group Maersk has announced it will be rapidly working to decarbonise the shipping sector and hopes to have its first fully carbon-neutral vessel in operation by 2023.
Maersk
Photo: Bernard Spragg / Flickr
This comes seven years before the 2030 targets that have been set by a number of companies attempting to keep in line with the expectations of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Read more: 86% of heavy industry not prepared for energy transition, TPI warns
In addition, all future Maersk products will have "dual fuel" technology installed, allowing the vessel to operate using either a carbon-neutral fuel or using the standard low-sulphur oil.
The shipping industry currently accounts for 3% of global emissions and is responsible for 80% of the world's trade.
Key players have pledged themselves to 2030 climate goals as part of a move industry analysts are referring to the "transition decade," representing the 2020's focus on greener energy.
Around half of Maersk's largest customers have set themselves climate goals in keeping with the rest of the sector.
Many of these companies hope to have completely decarbonised the shipping sector by 2050.
Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Fleet & Strategic Brands at Maersk, said: “It will be a significant challenge to source an adequate supply of carbon-neutral methanol within our timeline to pioneer this technology. Our success relies on customers embracing this groundbreaking product and strengthened collaboration with fuel manufacturers, technology partners and developers to ramp up production fast enough.
"We believe our aspiration to put the world’s first carbon-neutral liner vessel in operation by 2023 is the best way to kick start the rapid scaling of carbon-neutral fuels we will need."
The company's first foray into carbon-neutral shipping will be with a small feeder vessel which will be operated using methanol.
It will be operated using the dual fuel method, allowing for more traditional methods of power if necessary.
The shipping industry had already set in motions plans for sustainability both within its vessels and ports.
The Belgian cities of Antwerp and Bruges have agreed to merge their ports as part of a unification process with an emphasis on a sustainable future.
Read more: Antwerp & Zeebrugge ports to merge for "future world port"
Officials hope this merger will not only strengthen their positions on the supply chain but create more resilience in the face of future challenges.
Scotland has also unveiled plans for a so-called "green port" to help deliver on a net-zero economy.
There are also a number of other criteria the ports will hope to attain, such as partners paying a living wage and adopting the Scottish Business Pledge.
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