The European Waterborne Technology Platform says that it welcomes the revision of the IMO strategy to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping, but regards research, development and innovation as key to achieve the IMO’s ambitions.
The revised IMO GHG Strategy includes an ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050, a commitment to ensure an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030, as well as indicative check-points for 2030 and 2040.
The directions for the revised strategy are based on energy-efficiency measures for new ships, as well as reducing CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008. In addition, the strategy supports the uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources to represent at least 5%, striving for 10%, of the energy used by international shipping by 2030. Finally, it is envisaged that international shipping will reach net-zero GHG emissions by around 2050.
The targets set are particularly important for the partnership on Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport, a co-operation between the European Commission and the Waterborne Technology Platform. This partnership aims to develop and demonstrate zero-emission solutions for all main ship types and services before 2030. The strategic research and innovation agenda of the partnership is currently being updated, and the final version is expected to be approved by the end of the year.
Eero Lehtovaara, Board Chair Waterborne TP, said: “The Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport partnership is committed to research, development and innovation of technologies needed to eliminate GHG emissions and other pollution to air and water, including underwater radiated noise. These technologies are vital to achieving the emission targets. Thereby, the revision of IMO’s GHG reduction strategy is very timely. Currently, we are in the process of updating our research agenda, to incorporate new policies, rules and regulations, as well as the state-of-play on technology development, to ensure compliance with European and international emission targets. In this sense, the contribution of all European waterborne transport stakeholders to the Waterborne Days will be key.”
