Sustainability: what initiatives are the big shipping companies taking? - part 2

Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade. Moving towards a more sustainable society, shipping is also coming under increasing scrutiny. What initiatives are shipping companies developing to green their operations? And how does this translate to the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge? The Flows editors sent the same questionnaire to CMA CGM, COSCO and Grimaldi. They were unable to answer our questions within the required timeframe or refused to communicate. Together with Hapag-Lloyd and MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO and Grimaldi are among the largest shipping companies to call Port of Antwerp-Bruges in terms of tonnage.

By 2030, the EU aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% from the 1990 baseline year. From 2050, the union aims to emit no more greenhouse gases. The inclusion of the maritime sector in the EU ETS (the European Emissions Trading Scheme) should encourage shipping to accelerate decarbonisation. The total impact of shipping would account for 3% of global CO2 emissions. The vast majority of the 100,000 or so cargo ships that travel daily, carrying 90% of all goods around the world, run on heavy fuel oil. On 7 July 2023, the 175 member states of the International Maritime Organisation reached a historic agreement: “in or near” 2050, shipping must achieve net zero emissions.

The text speaks of “guiding”, and therefore non-binding, targets. However, it does include checkpoints: by 2030, polluting emissions must be reduced by at least 20%, with 30% as a target. By 2040, emissions should be at least 70% lower, with 80% curtailment targeted. Zero emissions should then be achieved in or near 2050. Against this background, Flows inquired about the vision and initiatives of some major shipping companies. You will find their answers here.

Hapag-Lloyd

What is the parent company’s policy on sustainability?

“Sustainability is an important pillar of our strategy. We focus on ambitious targets to minimise our impact on the environment and act in a socially responsible way. Decarbonisation is central to our strategy and our overarching goal remains to be climate neutral by 2045 – in other words, five years earlier than stipulated in the Paris Agreement.”

How does this translate to the ports of Antwerp and/or Zeebrugge, both in the use of the ships operating here and the terminals they call at?

“Our 12 ordered dual-fuel container ships of 23,660 TEU, can run on liquefied natural gas (lng) and will therefore emit up to 25% less CO2. These will be used in our services between Asia and Europe; Antwerp is part of this trade.”

What (large-scale) bunkering opportunities do you see for ammonia, lng and other alternative fuels in the Flemish ports? Where and when will this be possible?

“If produced with renewable energy, future alternative fuels such as methanol or ammonia can be almost carbon neutral. Which of these fuels will eventually prevail, or whether it will be a combination of many, cannot yet be predicted. So far, Hapag-Lloyd’s approach consists of a mix of solutions to gradually reduce the fleet’s carbon footprint. Since 2021, we have launched 12 large dual-fuel container ships, which can run on both conventional fuel and liquefied natural gas (lng). While lng is an essential transition fuel, it will not be enough to achieve our long-term goals, but it can reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and significantly reduce other emissions. The dual-fuel technology also enables future use of other alternative fuels.”

Modal split: what is its importance and how do you see it evolving further?

“The container flow to the hinterland is a central aspect in the region’s logistics landscape. Antwerp as a major European port plays a crucial role in this.”

What are the challenges and concerns regarding sustainability in general for your company?

“Shipping is the cleanest and most efficient mode of transport when it comes to moving large volumes of goods. Nevertheless, the entire sector needs to further reduce its carbon emissions. The challenge of decarbonising shipping is too big to take on alone. That is why Hapag-Lloyd has joined maritime research centres and is active in international bodies such as the World Shipping Council, the European Sustainable Shipping Forum and various environmental initiatives. If we want to continue driving the maritime energy transition, we also need the right regulatory and economic framework conditions, especially with regard to the supply of future alternative fuels. Before these are ready for shipping, further investment in research and additional infrastructure is needed.”