COP27: Maersk, MAN ES pledge to fully decarbonise global shipping by 2050
Danish shipping company A.P. Moller – Maersk, German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES), and eight other organisations have agreed to produce and use green hydrogen-based fuels.
PHOTO: Prototype of Wilhelmsen Topeka's hydrogen-powered vessel. Wilhelmsen
The signatories have signed an agreement during the COP27 meeting and pledged to:
- build zero-emission vessels operating on deep sea routes by 2030
- scale up production of green hydrogen for the shipping sector to 5.5 million mt/year by 2030
- fully decarbonise shipping by 2050 (at the latest)
The consortium of 10 organisations has also called upon the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its member states to commit to 100% emissions reductions by 2050 with robust interim targets.
According to Johannah Christensen, chief executive of the Global Maritime Forum, maritime industry needs a supportive policy framework to achieve its decarbonisation target by 2050.
Christensen says shipping industry must accelerate its transition towards zero-emission fuels. The commitment will lead to creation of "sufficient supply of green fuels and a demand for zero-emission shipping."
Maersk's chief executive of fleet and strategic brands, Henriette Thygesen says that access to clean hydrogen is an "important pathway" to decarbonise shipping.
According to MAN ES chief executive Uwe Lauber, maritime industry needs large-scale production of green hydrogen that can be supplied as marine fuel. Through its hydrogen subsidiary H-TEC SYSTEMS, MAN ES is working to mass produce electrolysers, which is an important apparatus used in hydrogen production.
The joint statement on "green hydrogen and green shipping" has been facilitated by the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champion and the non-profit RMI. Other signatories include Aspen Shipping Decarbonisation Initiative, Getting to Zero Coalition, Green Hydrogen Catapult, Green Hydrogen Organization (GH2), ACWA Power, Fortescue Future Industries, and InterContinental Energy.
By Konica Bhatt
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