Context: International Maritime organization aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Blue economy
- According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem."
- European Commission defines it as "All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.
Green Logistics
- It covers sustainable practices across the length of the logistic value chain.
Need of Green shipping
- To achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- Around 90% of world trade moves through seas and maritime sector accounts for around 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Emissions are projected to increase from about 90% of 2008 emissions in 2018 to 90-130% of 2008 emissions by 2050 for a range of plausible long-term economic and energy scenarios.
Steps needed/taken for Green Shipping
- Initiatives to use non-fossil fuels in ships.
- Use of non-conventional energy for shore-based operations.
- Digitalisation of processes like fuel optimisation systems with the help of big data analytics and artificial intelligence, enabling the ship management team to monitor engine and voyage conditions for optimal fuel usage.
Green Voyage 2050 project:
- The IMO GreenVoyage2050 Project is supporting shipping’s transition towards a low carbon future.
- The GreenVoyage2050 Project is working with 12 countries: Azerbaijan, Belize, China, Cook Islands, Ecuador, Georgia, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka.
Clydebank declaration:
- The UK announced the launch of the Clydebank Declaration at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.
- Signatory states declared their ambition and intent to support the establishment of green shipping corridors – zero-emission shipping routes between 2 ports.
- The Declaration sits alongside the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission and is designed to complement work at the International Maritime Organization to enable zero-emission shipping.
Initiatives of Global South
- COP 28 highlighted the ongoing divide between the global north and south on climate initiatives.
- Many developing nations in the south, grappling with poverty, housing, and infrastructure needs, rely on cheap fossil fuels, lacking technological means for a transition.
- Developed countries, with high fuel usage and emissions, are expected to lead and finance the shift.
- Despite challenges, the global south is making earnest strides in transitioning to green shipping.
Singapore, a key maritime nation, has made a blueprint for 2050 whereby it has set up future funds for decarbonisation and sustainable maritime transport.
- Through energy-saving activities like electric mounted cranes, intelligent gate management systems, and green lighting.
India as a responsible maritime nation has setup National Hydrogen Mission as the next-generation potential fuel for shipping and other energy requirements.
- Made strides in LNG bunkering facility in Kochi Terminal.
- Encouraging shore usage of power through electric motors.
- Adopting strict standard operating procedures to address marine pollution and developing waste recycling methods.
- Creating green belts around ports
Harit Sagar green port guidelines:
- Creating green cover over 20 per cent of the port area
- Conversion of diesel-operated machinery to electric power particularly shore-to-ship power.
- Enhancing usage of renewable energy to 60 per cent by 2030.
- Minimising usage of freshwater.
Greening the blue economy is essential for striking a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, ensuring that marine resources are used in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.