Maersk backs US bill seeking 45% cut in GHG emissions from shipping by 2030

PHOTO: Maersk aims to operate 12 ocean-going methanol-powered container ships by 2024. Maersk

Container shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has expressed support for a bill by a US congressman which calls for a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2030.

The ‘Clean Shipping Act’ will cover all shipping companies doing business with the US.

The bill sets carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships and aims to eliminate in-port ship emissions by 2030.

It was introduced in July by Congressman Alan Lowenthal, who represents the Port of Long Beach, and co-sponsored by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán on behalf of the Port of Los Angeles.

"Now is the time for action and we urge the United States Congress to pass this legislation to achieve a 45% decrease on carbon dioxide equivalent reductions by 2030," Maersk vice president of US government relations Doug Morgante said.

He highlighted that availability and cost competitiveness of green fuels is a big hurdle in reducing GHG emissions from shipping.

Maersk has set a target to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2040 across its business and value chain. The company has ordered 12 large container vessels that can run on green methanol.

Last month, it entered a strategic partnership with Chinese bioenergy firm Debo to procure 200,000 mt/year of green methanol by 2024, adding the seventh methanol supplier to fuel its upcoming fleet.

By Shilpa Sharma

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online