Reducing Maritime Traffic's Oceanic Impact
In the vast expanse of our planet's oceans, where challenges and opportunities intersect, an urgent concern has emerged. The oceans, our global connective tissue, are facing a significant challenge due to the surge in maritime traffic in the 21st century. This challenge knows no boundaries and compels us to take immediate action.
The numbers are staggering: 90% of the world's goods travel our waters [1], weaving a complex tapestry of global trade. These routes carry more than just cargo – they carry the responsibility of preserving our planet’s oceans and marine ecosystems.
In the past two decades, the surge in maritime traffic has raised concerns about its environmental impact [2], threatening the oceans, its inhabitants and, ultimately, the very life support system of our planet. In fact, a new study published in Nature [3], the weekly scientific journal, has used satellite technology to track industrial activity across the world’s oceans including shipping. Conducted from 2017 to 2021, the study found that on average, a staggering 63,300 vessel occurrences were detected at any given moment and highlighted that up to 30% of this activity is missing from public tracking systems.
The impact of maritime traffic is usually multifaceted, affecting marine ecosystems through various channels, including chemical, air and noise pollution, as well as the inadvertent transportation of non-indigenous species.
As we navigate the challenges of such intense maritime activity, we must embrace a holistic strategy to safeguard our oceans, incorporating sustainable practices and innovative approaches. Here are five essential avenues to mitigate maritime traffic's oceanic impact:
1. Wastewater and ballast water management
Wastewater and ballast water are common culprits in the spread of invasive species and pollutants. It's essential to develop new, environmentally friendly treatments to manage these challenges. P&O Maritime Logistics, our subsidiary, has already set a pioneering example by implementing a strict ballast waste management plan across all our vessels.
2. Ship hulls and design
Ships' hulls serve as substrates for marine life to colonise, not only potentially transporting non-indigenous species but also increasing fuel consumption due to the added drag [4]. Innovative marine anti-fouling solutions replacing traditional biocidal paints and new materials like Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) are offering promising solutions to this problem. At DP World, we continually explore these sustainable alternatives and consider how they can be implemented to minimise our environmental impact.
3. Electrification
Maritime traffic contributes over 3% of global CO2 emissions [5], making it a substantial contributor to climate change. Electrifying vessels is a potential game-changer, even for larger cargo ships. With the technology already on the market, it's estimated that up to 40% of global container ship traffic could transition to full electrification [6]. At DP World, we're committed to this green transformation, investing in low-carbon vessels, and electrifying ports and terminals equipment while advancing renewable electricity sources.
4. Biofuels
The use of biofuels and biofuel blends aligns with the International Maritime Organization's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Collaborative efforts like the one between Unifeeder and VARO [7] to reduce the carbon footprint of European transportation exemplify our commitment to these ecologically sound practices.
5. Green shipping corridors
Creating green shipping corridors, where zero-carbon emission ships and emissions reduction programmes are deployed, is a strategic approach we enthusiastically endorse. These corridors, supported by public and private partnerships, ensure emissions reductions while fostering environmental responsibility. At DP World, we're actively exploring and advocating the implementation of green shipping corridors to spearhead the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. Additionally, incorporating the technology and innovation utilised in the satellite mapping study featured in the journal, Nature, will be beneficial for optimising green shipping corridors and routes to protect communities and ecosystems proactively and efficiently. ?
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As we strive for a more sustainable maritime future, decarbonising our industry stands as a colossal challenge. The route to a greener, lower-carbon economy is clear – forged through partnerships and collaboration. At DP World, we've pledged carbon neutrality by 2040 and net zero by 2050. Yet, we acknowledge that acceleration requires unity with stakeholders, governments and regulators.
Our well-established decarbonisation partnerships affirm our unwavering commitment. Teaming up with eminent organisations like the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and the University of Exeter and the Blue Marine Foundation [8], we lead the journey to a zero-carbon economy.
Much like our SeaRates platform empowers eco-conscious choices [9], we aim for a ripple effect across the industry. Our resolute commitment to top-tier environmental standards fuels our pursuit of innovative solutions aligned with the "Our World, Our Future" sustainability strategy.
These carefully nurtured partnerships are the fastest way to achieve a greener, lower-carbon and sustainable blue economy. Through collaboration, shared vision and devotion to our world's well-being, we'll transport goods across our blue planet without compromising the environments that sustain us.
In a world wrestling with the maritime industry's decarbonisation challenge, unity and cooperation light our path toward a more sustainable future for all.
Sr. Environmental and Coastal Engineer -Abu Dhabi Ports - Engineering & Technical Services
6 个月Your article presents valuable insights. In addition to your points, it's imperative to emphasize the importance of port infrastructure equipped with shore power for cold ironing. Berthing vessels should prioritize the use of shore power over auxiliary engines to reduce emissions. Port operators should explore offering cold ironing services either complimentary or at discounted rates to incentivize adoption. Such measures have the potential to significantly mitigate GHG emissions and enhance air quality within port premises.
Head of Sustainability/ ESG Strategy & Impact :+20yrs Global Experience in Stakeholder & Investor Relations : Issue, Risk, Policy & Disclosures : Human Rights : Board Director : Translating Business Value into ESG Values
6 个月The martime industry must consider data analytics to gain insights into transportation emissions, performance metrics and environmental impacts across the supply chain. This can be done by advancing tracking and monitoring systems to measure carbon footprints, identify areas for improvement and track progress towards decarbonization goals. Maha AlQattan can you share information about DP World’s work in sustainability and data analytics in relation to its ocean remit?