International port stakeholders gathered last week in Hamburg and signed a declaration on the decarbonization of global shipping .
The declaration was signed by representatives of various ports, international shipping companies, green fuel producers, shipbuilders, financial institutions as well as terminal operators and logistics companies in the port industry at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), which took place in Hamburg on October 7-8, 2024.
Signatories included CMA CGM Germany, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd AG, Port of Los Angeles, Tanger Med Special Agency, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Port of Barcelona, Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), Port of Yokohama, Mabanaft and Höegh Autoliners.
As informed, the declaration includes the cooperation of stakeholders in the maritime supply chain in the creation of green shipping corridors .
The global shipping industry is responsible for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, or about 940 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. Without drastic action, these emissions could increase significantly by 2050, more than doubling today’s total, according to some estimates.
In the declaration, the signatories recognize the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the environmental impact of the global shipping industry.
Jens Meier signed it as President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) which currently represents 180 ports in 84 countries.
“By signing this declaration, I, as President of the IAPH, reaffirm my commitment to closing ranks in the maritime supply chain by bringing together the relevant stakeholders on the path to decarbonising international shipping and establishing green shipping corridors.”
“If we are to meet global decarbonisation targets, we need to eliminate competition between our ports and work more closely together than ever before. We also need a comprehensive approach that goes beyond port-to-port corridors and introduces truly decarbonised door-to-door routes.”
“By signing this declaration, we are reaffirming our active commitment to greener ports and green shipping corridors. Ports have a key role to play in paving the way for access to alternative fuels, not only for the maritime industry but also for other sectors,” Friedrich Stuhrmann , Managing Director of the HPA, confirmed the HPA’s commitment.
“As a port authority, we have led the way and played a major role in making Hamburg the first port in Europe to offer shore-side electricity for cruise and container ships. We will continue on this path, paving the way for a more sustainable future together with all relevant players in the maritime value chain. In this way, we want to further raise the profile of our port as a global thinker and doer.”
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In line with international climate goals, including the Paris Agreement, and the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the parties also agreed on the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the rapid and comprehensive implementation of ambitious measures to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050 at the latest, taking into account the IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy and its targets.
Governments have a crucial role to play in facilitating this major energy transition.