IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology) has identified the main barriers to achieving the IMO's 2023 greenhouse gas strategy ahead of MEPC85. Members of the institute gathered insights from professionals across various fields including ship management, classification societies, engineering, science, academia, and marine services during the Ship Energy and Environment Special Interest Group (SEESIG) meeting.
Identification of Key Barriers
According to the findings of this meeting, IMarEST members generally do not oppose the IMO's goal of achieving net zero from international shipping. However, they pointed to significant issues such as infrastructure readiness, commercial incentives, access to fuel, and distribution of responsibility in the maritime value chain as the main barriers to progress. Alasdair Wishart, Technical and Policy Director at IMarEST, stated, "We are not seeing any opposition to the net zero framework or decarbonization principles. This is particularly encouraging ahead of MEPC85."
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Decarbonization Pathways and the Need for Collaboration
Respondents in this survey expressed confidence in a wide range of potential decarbonization pathways, including low and zero-carbon fuels, energy efficiency technologies, and operational improvements. However, many pointed to uncertainties in fuel production, refueling infrastructure, supply chains, and long-term regulatory frameworks as factors hindering investment decisions.
Additionally, participants emphasized the need for greater collaboration within the maritime industry. They stressed the necessity for improved coordination among shipowners, operators, ports, fuel producers, charterers, cargo owners, and policymakers to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions in this sector.
Significantly, respondents highlighted operational actions such as optimizing voyages, digitalization, and timely port arrivals as some of the most effective opportunities for short-term greenhouse gas emission reductions. These findings indicate that progress can be made now while long-term fuel and propulsion solutions are being developed.
Alasdair Wishart added, "The shipping industry has a unique opportunity to control its emissions and accelerate the transition to net zero. The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of action, and many of the technologies needed to reduce emissions already exist or are rapidly advancing."
With this in mind, IMarEST members pose the question of how practical barriers can be overcome more quickly to achieve the net zero target by 2050. This commitment is clearly present among IMarEST members, and further collaborations are expected to emerge in this regard.
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