Shipping accounts for 2.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Norwegian shipping companies are now taking a leading role in the fight against climate change. The goal is for the entire Norwegian fleet to be climate neutral by 2050.
The aim of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has given the world ten years to halve the total greenhouse gas emissions and maintains that they must drop to net-zero emissions by 2050. Climate change must be taken seriously. If the world is to succeed in curbing the effects of climate change, it must act quickly.
Four proactive climate goals
Under the umbrella of the Norwegian Shipowners Association, Norwegian shipping companies have taken action by adopting four ambitious goals, laid out in a climate strategy. The goals state that members will cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% per transported unit by 2030, compared to 2008.
From 2030, Norwegian Shipowners Association members will only order vessels with zero-emission technology
From 2030, Norwegian Shipowners Association members will only order vessels with zero-emission technology. By 2050, the Norwegian fleet will be climate neutral. The strategy also entails an international ban from 2050, on fuel types that are not climate neutral.
Developing new green technology
“Norwegian shipping is taking a leading role by setting ambitious goals for the development of new and profitable green technology,” said Harald Solberg, the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of the Norwegian Shipowners Association.
Harald Solberg adds, “We have high ambitions, even in areas that today do not have commercially available technological solutions. We believe ambitious goals will help accelerate the necessary development. This means that the entire industry, in collaboration with the authorities, both nationally and internationally, must engage in developing new solutions.”
Good for climate, good for business
Norwegian shipping sees great business opportunities, in taking leadership in the development of innovative technology that the maritime industry and the world need. At the same time, as contributing to the mitigation of global warming and providing cleaner air and healthier oceans, new and green jobs will be created.
“We need new technology and new sustainable solutions, and development must happen quickly,” said Harald Solberg, adding “We can meet global climate targets, while generating business opportunities. We have already accomplished a great deal and now we want to do even more.”