November 17, 2021
Collaborating to get shipping to net zero emissions by 2050 seems to be the COP26 shipping chant. The COP26-spotlight has brought stakeholders from the full shipping ecosystem to the table and both governments, finance industry and shipping customers are calling for collaboration and raised decarbonisation ambitions. Now, it remains to be seen if the COP26 wind is strong enough to get the IMO to adjust its sails.
The most important outcomes of the COP26 are not only found in the signed conference documents, but in discussions and work done in the run up to and in the corridors of the actual conference. The pre COP26 attention has brought shipping emissions into the spotlight and decision-makers not only within shipping companies but in governments, in finance and amongst shipping customers recognize the pivotal role that the maritime industry plays in achieving the Paris Climate Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2050.
Collaborating to reach net zero by 2050
Looking back at previous international meetings and conferences, it is encouraging to see the change of attitude, and how the full maritime ecosystem is starting to embrace the challenge. The signal amidst the noise is one of alignment around the ambition of a net zero emissions shipping industry by 2050, and of recognition that we need collaboration to get there. No government can reach climate targets if they do not include shipping and shipping cannot be decarbonised without the support from governments and the different stakeholders in the shipping value chain.
The industry has seen several initiatives in the run up to and during the COP26, some urging for global regulations and calling for collaboration between public and private sector others presenting cross industry actions. We sum up some of the initiatives that we believe will influence the future of the shipping industry.
Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors
Declaration on Zero EmissionShipping by 2050
Climate Vulnerable Forum Declaration
Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonisation
Cargo owners for Zero Emissions Vessel Coalition
Zero Emission Shipping Mission
Not unexpected, outcomes are mainly words and not actions. However, a mental bridge has been crossed to a place where very few question the need for a shipping transition. Most stakeholders agree that change is inevitable, and this prepares us for the next step, which is action - urgent action.
At the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Comittee (MEPC) meeting in London next week global decarbonisation targets will be discussed. It will be interesting to see whether the wind that is building, in form of initiatives and discussions both on a governmental and industry level urging for global regulations, will bring the IMO vessel closer to net zero by 2050.
One thing is for sure, the shipping industry has moved one firm step forward – but now, let’s keep on sprinting!
