ADL's Strategies to Make Maritime Operations Environmentally Friendly
In a bid to tackle the environmental impact of the maritime industry, Arthur D. Little has released a comprehensive viewpoint titled "Cleaner Seas: Mitigating Maritime Emissions," outlining actionable for the sector to adopt more sustainable practices.
According to recent analysis by ADL, maritime transport currently contributes to 3 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to a staggering 1,708 million metric tons. Disturbingly, without intervention, this figure is predicted to skyrocket to 44 percent by the year 2050, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the International Maritime Organisation has set goals to combat emissions. Initially targeting a 50 percent reduction by 2050, the IMO has now elevated its aspirations, aiming for the maritime industry to achieve net-zero emissions by the same year.
As part of this initiative, the IMO has introduced a plan for a minimum of 5 percent of international shipping's energy to come from alternative fuels or energy sources, with a more ambitious target of 10 percent by 2030.
Paolo Carlomagno, Partner and a senior member of the Travel & Transportation practice at Arthur D. Little, emphasised the important role of the maritime sector in global emission reduction efforts. Carlomagno stressed the importance of swift and bold actions, advocating for a collaborative approach across the industry to combat climate change effectively.
The viewpoint put forth by ADL focuses on two key strategies: the adoption of alternative fuels and technological innovations to transform maritime operations.
ADL recommends embracing alternative fuels such as green fuels and e-fuels. While short-term solutions like blue methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen offer a 20 percent to 60 percent reduction in emissions, the viewpoint underscores the long-term sustainability of green fuels, capable of reducing emissions by 60 percent to 80 percent. The challenge lies in overcoming environmental impact concerns and scalability issues, urging shipping companies to increase usage and producers to boost production.
Moreover, the viewpoint tells the importance of technological innovations, including onboard carbon capture and storage systems, wind-assist propulsion, solar panels, fuel cells, kite-sail systems, and improved hull designs. These innovations have shown results in improving operational efficiency, minimising fuel consumption, and reducing emissions.
The viewpoint also sheds light on voluntary measures being taken by stakeholders, citing initiatives such as emission-trading systems, internal carbon pricing, and carbon-reduction services offered by shipping carriers. Singapore's forward-thinking approach is highlighted, aiming to become the world's largest automated terminal by 2040 and ensuring at least half of all Singapore-flagged vessels are "green" by 2050.
As the maritime industry grapples with the challenge of reducing its environmental footprint, the ideas proposed by ADL provide a roadmap for a cleaner and more sustainable future for both the sector and the planet.
