Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation IMO, emphasised the positive aspects of the emissions abatement measures the IMO member states agreed on at the end of October in a welcome address published ahead of the conference launch.
This lends fresh impetus to the industry on its way towards a carbon-free future, he says, further pointing out that the development of alternative fuels will play a key role in this scenario.
Propulsion innovation essential
Dr Martin Stopford, President of the maritime consultancy Clarkson Research Services, stressed that making the existing fleet more emission-friendly will not be enough. Developing zero-carbon propulsion systems is essential: “This is not an industry strength today, so major thought is needed, not just by ship-owners,” he said.
Engine manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce Power Systems play a key role in this respect. CEO Andreas Schell said the company is consistently pursuing this year’s motto of SMM, ‘Driving the maritime transition’. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is “doing everything we can to drive forward the maritime energy transition with new technologies”.
Dr Maximilian Rothkopf, chief operating officer of Hamburg-based liner company Hapag-Lloyd said the maritime industry has to show the same ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as it did with handling the changes that COVID-19 brought.
The chairwoman of SEA Europe, Kjersti Kleven, outlines how shipbuilders and suppliers can support decarbonisation. “With prompt and adequate sector-specific policies in support of the industry, Europe’s shipyards and maritime equipment may have the tools to overcome the current challenges from the pandemic, as well delivering new technology to meet climate change and untap the promising potential from digitalization, automation and the Blue Economy,” she said.
SMM Digital takes place from 2-5 February.