Alliance comprises 13 shipowners, classification societies, engine and technology builders and more
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Thirteen shipowners and operators, classification societies, engine and technology builders and suppliers, big data providers, and oil companies have signed up to a new Global Industry Alliance (GIA) to help the marine industry move towards a low carbon future.
Together, the GIA partners aim to reduce the shipping industry’s greenhouse gas emissions by researching and developing innovative solutions that make it easy for companies to implement energy efficiency technologies and operational measures. They will focus on alternative fuels, digitalisation, showcasing advances in technology development and positive initiatives by the maritime sector, and providing fora to encourage a global industry dialogue.
The GIA was founded as part of the GloMEEP Project, which was established by the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to help developing countries to implement energy efficiency measures for shipping.
“What we are witnessing today is the formal start of a tried and tested partnership concept which has the potential to boost still further our efforts to kick-start the change that society demands and create a firm, tangible basis to transform the shipping sector for the better,” said Kitack Lim, secretary-general at the IMO. “Under this new public-private partnership initiative, these industry champions, which come from different sectors of the industry and may have different business strategies within the same sector, are coming together to contribute to tackling the challenges of decarbonising the shipping sector.”
The thirteen members that formally joined the alliance when it was inaugurated on 29 June include: ABB Engineering (Shanghai), DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register, MarineTraffic, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Ricardo UK, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company, Silverstream Technologies, Stena, Total Marine Fuels, Wärtsilä Corporation and Winterthur Gas & Diesel. More companies are expected to join GIA in the coming months.
All 13 companies will provide their expertise and know-how in the area of maritime fuel efficiency, and contribute financially towards the GIA Fund.