Here’s how we can reduce shipping industry emissions

The global shipping industry emits over one billion tons of greenhouse gases annually, exceeding the emissions of all but the top five emitting countries. While a 2018 roadmap aimed to halve emissions by 2050, enforcement remains an impasse. A proposed "goal-based operational efficiency" approach would set maximum CO2 emission targets per ton of cargo per mile, allowing shipowners flexibility in implementation. Technical solutions such as Flettner rotor sails, air-lubrication systems, and a 20% reduction in vessel speed could significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, the Getting to Zero coalition is working to commercialize zero-emission vessels within ten years, which could drive renewable energy investment in developing nations, such as a potential $90 billion investment in Chile for green hydrogen infrastructure.

• The global shipping industry produces more than one billion tons of greenhouse-gas emissions annually, a volume greater than that of any country except for the top five emitters.
• A proposed "goal-based operational efficiency" model would establish maximum carbon dioxide emission limits per ton of cargo per mile traveled, with a suggested target of reducing CO2 intensity by 80% by 2030 to align with the Paris climate agreement.
• Immediate emissions and fuel cost reductions of 24-34% can be achieved simply by reducing vessel speeds by 20%. Other technical options include air-lubrication systems, which can reduce fuel consumption by 12%, and Flettner rotor sails, which can cut it by over 8%.
• The transition to zero-emission vessels, supported by the Getting to Zero coalition of over 120 companies, could stimulate significant renewable energy investment in developing countries; for instance, Chile could see up to $90 billion in investment if it shifts to green hydrogen-based fuels.
• Progress toward decarbonization is hindered by political opposition, specifically from Japan and other countries seeking to delay mandatory CO2 regulation enforcement until 2029 or 2030.

APA

Figueres, J. M. (2020). Here’s how we can reduce shipping industry emissions. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/shipping-industry-carbon-emissions-climate-change-environment-ocean/

Chicago

Figueres, José María. Here’s how we can reduce shipping industry emissions. World Economic Forum, 2020. https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/shipping-industry-carbon-emissions-climate-change-environment-ocean/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Figueres |first1=José María |title=Here’s how we can reduce shipping industry emissions |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=23 October 2020 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/shipping-industry-carbon-emissions-climate-change-environment-ocean/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{figueres2020heres, author = {Figueres, José María}, title = {{Here’s how we can reduce shipping industry emissions}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2020}, month = oct, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/energy-transition/shipping-industry-carbon-emissions-climate-change-environment-ocean/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }