Is shipping setting the right course for net zero?

FROM being sceptical about the need for shipping to drastically cut its CO2 emissions some years ago, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has become totally committed to achieving decarbonisation and net-zero CO2 emissions.

Shipping absolutely “gets” the global warming crisis. ICS, which represents over 80 per cent of the world’s merchant fleet, is also determined to keep the regulation of shipping, including anything relating to decarbonisation, on a global basis under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Meanwhile, many energy companies, machinery manufacturers, shipping companies and other maritime-related organisations are working flat out to move towards zero carbon. My e-mail inbox is always full of new developments on alternative fuels or carbon capture. Already, viable approaches and technologies are operational at sea. What will be the best, which probably means cheapest, approach is still unclear. A bewildering array of alternatives is being pursued.