Low Carbon Industry Alliance Launched at IMO
Leading shipowners and operators, classification societies, engine and technology builders and suppliers, big data providers and oil companies have signed up to a new Global Industry Alliance (GIA) to support transitioning shipping and its related industries towards a low carbon future.
The IMO reports that 13 companies have signed up to launch the GIA, under the auspices of the GloMEEP Project aimed at supporting developing countries in the implementation of energy efficiency measures for shipping.
The GIA partners will collectively identify and develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures. Focusing on a number of priority areas including energy efficiency technologies and operational best practices, alternative fuels and digitalization, the Alliance's activities will include research and development and the showcasing of advances in technology development and other positive initiatives.
The GIA was officially inaugurated on June 29 at a launch ceremony held at IMO headquarters. The launch was held at the margins of the first meeting of the IMO Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG emissions from ships.
In his launch speech, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said the new alliance would help shipping to make its contribution towards greenhouse gas reduction and the mitigation of climate change, a key target for the United Nations under its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“What we are witnessing today is the formal start of a tried and tested partnership concept which has the potential to boost still further our efforts to kick-start the change that society demands and create a firm, tangible basis to transform the shipping sector for the better,” Lim said.
“Under this new public-private partnership initiative, these 'industry champions', which come from different sectors of the industry and may have different business strategies within the same sector, are coming together to contribute to tackling the challenges of decarbonizing the shipping sector.”
It is expected that more companies may join the GIA. The 13 members that have formally committed to joining the alliance are:
ABB Engineering (Shanghai)
DNV GL
Lloyd's Register EMEA
MarineTraffic
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Ricardo UK
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Shell International Trading and Shipping Company
Silverstream Technologies
Stena
Total Marine Fuels
Wärtsilä Corporation
Winterthur Gas & Diesel
These companies are supporting the overall goals of the GIA by providing their expertise and know-how in the area of maritime fuel efficiency, as well as contributing financially towards GIA activities.