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Due to the vital position of maritime transport in the global economy, decarbonisation efforts pose both environmental and economic risks. About 80% of trade by volume and more than 70% by value is transported to ports over waters. worldwide. And shipping volume is expected to triple by 2050, as many countries are trying to reach carbon impartiality.
Firms will face increasing pressure from regulators, partners and customers as the industry struggles to meet rising cargo volumes. Amazon (the world’s largest retailer outside of China) and Ikea (the world’s largest furniture retailer) have pledged to use only zero-carbon fuel-powered marine operators by 2040. Calls by policymakers to decarbonize shipping are increasing the pressure. Bringing maritime transport in line with the Paris Agreement targetsThe Aspen Institute has urged governments to commit to ambitious fuel targets, create new regulations, and implement market-based measures to promote fuel and fuel innovation. technology.
Shipping companies are answering the call with ambitious efforts to both decarbonize and meet expected service levels. For example, Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has set a target to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2030. 2050. The Getting Zero Coalition, an alliance of 150 companies, pushes for the development and deployment of zero-emission ships. 2030. Transport must use every tool at its disposal to rapidly decarbonize. Without action, its emissions will increase at a predicted rate. 250%.
Shipping companies are experimenting with hydrogen, methanol and ammonia as alternative fuels. Rising conventional fuel prices could be the pressure needed to steer operators on the right track. alternatives. The trend towards larger ships will also enable ships to reduce emissions per tonne of cargo. These solutions provide improvements in carbon emissions, but are not sufficient to meet international standards. targets.
Batteries for auxiliary power, wing sails to capture free wind energy, and even alternative construction materials for containers and ships offer additional opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. Beyond these physical changes, data and digital technologies play an important role in shipping decarbonisation efforts.
sensors It can capture the enormous amount of data that shipping needs to use to reduce emissions. Digital technology will analyze, understand and calibrate ship parts and operations to ensure the highest possible efficiency. Sensors capture wind speed, water currents and engine efficiency. Then, intelligent systems powered by machine learning move ships to the most energy-efficient cruising positions.
Predictive analytics It can combine operational, geospatial and social data to plan and optimize routes, minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency. Connected systems share critical operational and feedback data to and between ships to identify patterns and improve shared intelligence.
digital twins enable maritime operators to understand the past, optimize the present and simulate future scenarios through digital models. Modeling and forecasting scenarios will be essential for shipping operators to continue to improve their carbon footprint. These are digital manifestations of data interacting with the physical world, providing operators with a deep understanding of spatial relationships in context. Digital twins allow operators to simulate outages (weather, port delays, course changes) to make decisions that reduce emissions.
These are just a few of the digital tools that could enable the decarbonisation of shipping. However, each example highlights the need for greater data visibility across the industry. Shipping has been seen as a follower in the adoption of digital technologies. However, more than two-thirds of the industry uses digital technology to assist ship operations and security. The industry now needs to turn these tools and data expertise into the carbon emissions issue.
Operational data and digital solutions are also vital for monitoring and reporting on the many decarbonisation metrics requested by stakeholders both internally and externally. This reporting shows the success or failure of critical path programs, provides ongoing support and investment, and will be increasingly requested by regulators. Infosys’ Ecowatch solution supports organizations in these efforts by providing a digital foundation for measuring and improving decarbonisation initiatives.
Decarbonising shipping is not only an environmental responsibility, it is also a solid business opportunity and a necessity for survival. Most global companies have set net zero targets, and shipping companies will be required to provide logistics in line with these targets. Shipping providers offering such services can gain a competitive advantage, generate higher revenues through differential pricing and increase their market share.
This content was produced by Infosys. It was not written by the editorial staff of MIT Technology Review.
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