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Maritime Transport - Ocean Central

Blue Economy

Maritime Transport

However, it is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation. To ensure the sustainability of both the shipping industry and marine ecosystems, adopting cleaner technologies, operations, and stronger regulations is essential. By reducing its environmental footprint, the sector can play a key role in the blue economy's future.

Environmental Impacts

  • Air and Water Pollution

    Shipping contributes substantially to CO2 emissions, air pollution, and noise pollution due to its reliance on heavy fossil fuels. Additionally, ballast water discharges and cargo spills introduce invasive species and pollutants like oil and plastics into marine ecosystems.

  • Threats to Marine Life

    Heavy vessel traffic increases the risk of ship strikes on marine species, while underwater noise disrupts the communication, feeding, and migration of marine life, including whales. Lost cargo and shipwrecks pollute marine environments with hazardous materials.

Mitigating Environmental Impacts

  • Technological Innovations

    Advances in shipping technology, such as slow steaming, green fuel development, wind propulsion, and noise-reducing engines, can significantly lower emissions and marine pollution. Shore-side clean energy facilities at ports can also help reduce emissions while ships are docked.

  • Shipping Lane Adjustments

    The shipping industry can work with the International Maritime Organization and scientists to create maps of migration corridors and breeding areas to ensure shipping lanes avoid these critical habitats as far as possible, to reduce the risk of vessel strikes.

Key Regulations for International Shipping

  • International Regulations

    The International Maritime Organization regulates shipping safety, security, and environmental impact through agreements like MARPOL, which sets international standards for reducing pollution from ships.

  • Regional and National Regulations

    The EU, US, and other countries are implementing stricter regulations to reduce the carbon intensity of shipping fuels and encourage the use of greener alternatives. Some regions also enforce speed reductions in their exclusive economic zones to protect marine life and reduce environmental damage.

     

  • Industry Disclosure Mechanisms

    Frameworks such as the Carbon Disclosure Project, Ocean Disclosure Initiative, and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure support transparency by encouraging businesses to disclose the environmental impacts of their maritime operations.

Key Actions to Support Sustainable Maritime Transport

  • 01 Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

    Buy locally sourced and produced goods where possible to minimize the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. Reducing demand for international shipping can help curb emissions and ocean pollution.

  • 02 Promote Responsible Cargo Management

    Businesses that rely on shipping can join platforms like the Cargo Owners for Zero Emission Vessels to accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping and promote sustainable practices.

  • 03 Support Speed Reduction Practices

    Shipping companies can initiate or join voluntary speed reduction schemes in key areas, such as the Blue Whales and Blue Skies programme, to help reduce the risk of collisions with blue whales.

  • 04 Advocate for Stronger Maritime Regulations

    Encourage local and national policymakers to push for stronger international regulations that reduce emissions, protect marine life, and minimize the shipping industry’s environmental footprint. Collaboration with the International Maritime Organization can elevate global shipping standards for sustainability.

Credits

  • Ralph Chami
  • Dinah Nieburg
  • Belinda Bramley

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