Tech advances can help shipping meet emissions targets

Subject

The shipping sector and climate targets.

Significance

More than 100 maritime industry chief executives wrote to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on April 30 suggesting imposing speed limits on commercial ships to protect the environment. Ship owners face difficult choices in deciding on propulsion systems for new vessels that might be in service for 20 years or more, as operational and design changes are required alongside hybrid propulsion systems to maximise fuel efficiency. Tightening regulations on air pollutants and greenhouse gases threatens to strand current technologies.

Impacts

• Design choices will widen as new technologies are tested and refined.
• Fossil fuel costs will ensure continuing momentum for developing and adopting more fuel-efficient engines for new and existing ships.
• Ship operators are likely to resist mandatory operational requirements to reduce carbon emissions.