This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
Published on October 21, 2019, the maritime industry is taking steps to address its significant contribution to pollution. Led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the industry is considering several options to replace so-called heavy fuel oil that propels over 60,000 vessels, including tankers, used in the global transportation of goods.
According to the IMO, the development and application of technological innovation and the introduction of alternative fuels, such as low- or zero-carbon fuels, are crucial to achieving its ambition. French companies are driving the development of new ships that can run on less-polluting liquefied natural gas, but this requires suitable storage facilities and engines.
Energy majors, such as Royal Dutch Shell, are supporting the new technology. Maritime transport accounts for 2.3 percent of CO2 emissions, compared to 2.0 percent for air transport. The IMO has decided to cut the sulphur content in heavy fuel oil to 0.5 percent from 3.5 percent from next year, which is expected to be achieved by the use of exhaust cleaning systems fitted to ships.
Reducing Speed ¶
A large section of the French maritime sector has voted to limit pollution by reducing ships' speed, a move supported by President Emmanuel Macron. The ecological benefit of reducing speed is exponential, with a tanker that lowers its speed from 12 to 11 knots reducing its fuel consumption by 18 percent.
Shipowners are yet to be convinced, however, citing concerns over investment and the need for more ships. The issue of reducing speeds will feature at the 75th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee between November 11-15.
The French maritime sector is hoping for a possible vote in favour of the measure in 2020, for implementation by 2023. Edmund Hughes, head of air pollution and energy efficiency at the IMO, insisted that the shipping industry must change to address climate change and phase out CO2 emissions as soon as possible.
