Page 96 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

Decarbonisation will generally be
tougher on smaller companies from a
financial and technical standpoint. For
instance, it will be harder for a single
technical director to work on old and
new technology vessels simultane-
ously. Classification societies have a
role to play here by identifying afford-
able technologies and practices that
deliver meaningful emissions reduc-
tions without compromising the com-
petitiveness of smaller companies.
They can also help small companies
identify and exploit funding opportu-
nities, tax incentives, or other financial
support available for decarbonisation
projects. This assistance can make
green investments more feasible for
their smaller budgets.
Behind the MARTECMA survey about
shipping’s decarbonisation is a com-
plex and diverse landscape, with var-
ious alternative fuels and strategies
emerging as potential solutions. Ship-
ping companies of all sizes and vessel
them not to expect regulatory bodies types must carefully assess their
to make the first move but to try to options and tailor their decarbonisa-
navigate the complex landscape of tion strategies to their specific needs
decarbonisation themselves. and operational requirements. Ulti-
mately, it must be remembered that
Despite the survey respondents’ unfa- shipping is not one industry only! The
vourable views, the recent decision to ocean-going vessels of various types
include shipping in the EU Emissions (tankers, bulk carriers, container ships,
Trading System (ETS) demonstrates Ro-Ro vessels, LNG carriers, etc.) and
the growing momentum towards reg- missions (charter vessels or liners),
ulating shipping emissions. This could short-sea shipping’s smaller vessels
lead to increased investments in green (calling at smaller ports in a specific
technologies and alternative fuels as sea region), the liner ferries covering
shipowners face the financial implica- greater distances (Ro-Pax, etc.) the
tions of emissions allowances. The ETS vessels serving short-sea connections
decision also underscores the impor- (open-ended ferries common in Greece
tance of coordinated international and other countries), the special ves-
efforts to ensure that environmental sels operating in ports (tug boats,
regulations and targets are universally etc.), other support vessels (OSV’s),
applicable and enforceable. cruise vessels, daily cruisers, private
yachts, etc. all are part of the shipping
The G7 will push member states at the industry. Each category will require a
International Maritime Organization different decarbonisation strategy. The
(IMO) to introduce intermediate tar- path to decarbonisation is undeniably
gets for 2030 and 2040 for the revised challenging. However, with collabora-
IMO GHG reduction strategy during tion, innovation, which may include an
the upcoming 80th session of the updated business model, and targeted
Marine Environment Protection Com- support, the shipping industry can nav-
mittee (MEPC80), in line with efforts to igate this complex journey and play a
limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C crucial role in decarbonisation and mit-
above pre-industrial levels. igating climate change.

96