The COP31 conference has decided to launch a major marine coalition with the goal of increasing the share of electricity in final marine energy demand to 20% by 2035. This target has been set to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate transitions in the marine sector.
Marine Electrification Goals
This goal specifically seeks to increase the share of electricity in final marine energy demand to at least 20% (approximately 2 exajoules) by 2035. Given that direct marine energy consumption is currently estimated at around 10 exajoules, this target requires international cooperation and coordination.
To achieve these goals, coalition members are committed to sharing knowledge and experiences, participating in public and private projects, and providing solutions to facilitate access to large-scale investments in electrification infrastructure at ports and marine transportation.
Development of Electrical Infrastructure
Among the methods proposed to achieve this goal are the development of onshore power supply at ports and increasing the share of the marine fleet from electric ships. Currently, over 1,600 electric ships are operating worldwide. Additionally, it is estimated that between 100,000 and 120,000 container loading units need to be decarbonized.
These activities not only assist marine transportation but also improve the necessary infrastructure for renewable energy production and energy consumption management. These measures can help reduce environmental impacts and improve urban air quality.
Ultimately, the coalition has called on governments to adopt a set of advanced climate actions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2026 that supports the 2023 greenhouse gas strategy. These actions are crucial for facilitating immediate investments in marine electrification.
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