Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) has released a new report that highlights the potential for considerable carbon savings in the shipping industry via the use of digital operations.
GSBN commissioned SIA Partners, a worldwide consultant, to perform the research ‘Impact of Digitalization in Driving Decarbonization in Shipping’.
It presents extensive models based on real-world examples to estimate the opportunity that digitalised documentation procedures represent for a key sector of global trade.
These include the usage of electronic bills of lading (eBL) and paperless solutions during the cargo release procedure.
According to GSBN, shipping accounts for approximately 3 per cent of GHG emissions. While shipping is still more carbon efficient than air transport, there is an urgent need for decarbonisation in the industry as international supervisory agencies strive to attain net zero by 2050.
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A key impediment to this approach is the industry’s continuous dependence on paper documents for legal and regulatory purposes, which contributes to its carbon footprint.
The study claims that the lack of a broadly approved digital platform generates interoperability issues, hindering attempts to cut carbon emissions.
Alicia Lee, Chief Operating Officer at GSBN, stated: “As the shipping industry sails towards a greener horizon, the journey to net zero is not just about cleaner fuels but also about transforming the very fabric of trade through digitisation.
“Paper-laden processes are not only inefficient and insecure for modern trade but is underpinned by carbon intensive land and air logistics. This study aims to offer insights and models to support the industry’s transition, especially given the increasing need for companies to communicate and measure their decarbonisation investments.”
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According to GSBN, stakeholders throughout the shipping value chain are encouraged to realise the environmental and operational benefits of digital solutions, such as waste reduction and improved operations, which are critical to meeting the industry’s decarbonisation targets.
The report concludes with concrete suggestions for the sector, highlighting the importance of widespread digital adoption, improved data integrity and interoperability, and the removal of legislative hurdles to expedite global shipping’s transition to a greener future.
Maria Lee, Managing Director at SIA Partners, said: “Our study in collaboration with GSBN offers a clear case for digitisation in the evolution of shipping efficiency, security and decarbonisation. By embracing digital trade documentation such as eBLs and processes such as GSBN’s Cargo Release, not only can the industry cut GHG emissions, but also unlock greater speed, efficiency and offer value to their customers.”
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