L.A. Port Says 'Thank You' to New Green Shipping Industry Initiative
The Port of Los Angeles boasts the busiest container port in the nation, and new sustainable measures being taken by the world's largest shipping companies will help our port (and world) become a little bit greener.
A formal agreement to craft energy efficient vessels, increase use of renewable energy and design ships that can be reused or recycled has been announced by the largest players in the global shipping industry.
The measure is part of the industry's plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 2040 and is endorsed by Maersk Line, Rio Tinto, Wärtsilä and BP Shipping, among eleven others, reports BusinessGreen. The Future's Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) released the agreement, dubbed Vision for 2040, today.
Emissions from the shipping industry currently account for just over 3% of the globe's total amount. However, the numbers are expected to rise by 150% to 250% over the next four decades.
"The anticipated, radical changes in the external operating environment indicate an urgent need to reshape the way in which shipping business is conducted," the report says. "Our vision sets out our aspirations for 2040. But we cannot wait until 2040 to become sustainable; we need to act today."
Per the agreement's website, SSI members share the below vision for the future.
*Changing to a diverse mix of energy sources, using resources more efficiently and responsibly, and dramatically reducing greenhouse gas intensity
*Providing safe, healthy and secure work environments so that people want to work in shipping, where they can enjoy rewarding careers and achieve their full potential
*Earning the reputation of being a trusted and responsible partner in the communities where we live, work and operate
*Developing financial solutions that reward sustainable performance and enable large-scale uptake of innovation, technology, design and operational efficiencies
*Transparency and accountability drive performance improvements and enable better, sustainable business decision-making
*Proactively contributing to the responsible governance of the oceans.
