A.P. Møller-Maersk (Maersk) has offered its support for the Clean Shipping Act targeting shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The bill sets carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships and sets requirements to eliminate in-port ship emissions by 2030 in a bid to protect the health of port communities, address environmental injustice, and provide solutions to the climate crisis.
In the latest edition of PTI’s e-journal, we welcomed an insightful perspective from Congressman Lowenthal on where industry needs to improve to reach net-zero, with a particular focus on proposition within the Clean Shipping Act.
The Clean Shipping Act of 2022 is modelled off of the European Union’s Fit for 55 regulatory framework for shipping.
“Maersk has worked on the decarbonisation of the shipping sector for over a decade, and we are committed to be net zero across our business and value chain by 2040 with 100 per cent green solutions for our customers,” wrote Maersk CEO, Soren Skou, in a letter addressed to the US Congress.
“We have also committed for all our new vessels to be capable of sailing on renewable fuels. This led us to order the first 12 large ocean-going container vessels capable of being operated on green methanol, to be delivered in 2024-2025.
“However, in order to demonstrate and accelerate the transition, clear signals from leading nations such as the US and regions such as the EU are needed, even if such measures are inherently regional in their reach.”
Congressman Lowenthal praised the carrier’s support, who has long advocated for greener solutions to promote decarbonisation across the maritime industry – setting the ambitious target of becoming net-zero by 2040.
“We don’t have to choose between a healthy shipping industry and a healthy climate. I applaud Maersk for taking this stand and acknowledging we are facing a tipping point in the climate crisis,” said Congressman Lowenthal.
“No emissions sources can go overlooked. My Clean Shipping Act is the right policy for the future of our planet, for the health of our communities, and ultimately for the resiliency of goods movement.”
The bill is cosponsored by Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, who represents the Port of Los Angeles.
Upon approval, the legislation would be an amendment to the US Clear Air Act administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
READ: Port of Los Angeles offers $5 million in green incentives
“Shipping emissions are a large and growing source of pollution that worsen climate change and harm air quality in port communities like Los Angeles,” Barragán added.
“We need leadership from the federal government and the private sector to transition as quickly as possible to a zero-emissions shipping industry.
“Maersk’s support for the Clean Shipping Act is exactly the kind of leadership we need. It shows we can have a thriving port economy without compromising public health or our climate.”
