Published by Programme B
The world of shipping and the associated industry has been the principal driving force in global trade and commerce. According to data, nearly 80% of the global world trade takes place through the maritime shipping industry.
Carbo ships, which are able to transport and carry thousands of tons of goods command major waterways all over the world. While environmentalists have lauded the shipping industry for their low contribution to environmental degradation, there is a lot, which can still be done.
In this article, we look at some of the environmentally friendly steps, which shipping companies can take in the future. There are also many advantages for businesses, who are into shipping if they choose eco-friendly models of operation.
The Maritime Industry and it’s Future in 2020
While the benefits to the environment are enormous if the transition to eco-friendly shipping becomes a reality, there is another benefit. In terms of business, the shift to green models can help bring down costs on a remarkable level.
One of the major issues plaguing the industry is rising freight costs. By focussing on a model, which is green and sustainable, the freight costs can be drastically reduced. Using technology, digitizing the routes, and integrating Blockchain into the process, can help bring down wastages and improve efficiency.
While some steps have been taken in the right direction, there is still a lot left to be done. One area, which needs immediate attention, is the use of heavy fuel in ships. Experts estimate that the consumption is going to rise and hit the 500 million tonnes mark in 2020. If investments are made in finding alternatives, or investing in great technology like Atlas incinerators, a lot of progress can be made.
List of some Eco-friendly steps being taken by the Shipping Industry in 2020
1 – Recycling
One of the major things being done by the industry recently is the impetus on recycling. Earlier, the ship breaking industry was accused of being very dangerous and harmful for workers. However, new strides and technologies in the industry, are focussing on how recycling can be a major green goal of the industry.
2 – Designing
With more impetus being given to how ship design work, the industry is seeing the emergence of highly efficient ships. Ships are being designed in such a way that they do not have a lot of areas, which confronts the flowing air. In other words, by streamlining the design, designers are making ships more aerodynamic and efficient leading to the creation of less drag.
3 -Technologies
Scientific innovations in the field of technology are being adopted by the shipping industry at breakneck speeds. For example, Blockchain technology is something, which almost all freight and container companies are looking into aggressively. This will help improve communications, coordination, and record-keeping in routes and cargo.
4 – Energy
In the last few years, several Japanese and Scandinavian based ship manufacturers are working with new fuel and energy technologies. The most common among them are solar energy panels, being installed to run many of the ship’s critical power requiring functions. While less environmentally damaging fuel is in the works, it would need some years to become a reality.
5. Upgradation
A ship is an expensive piece of engineering. Most companies and operators who would want to make the move towards higher efficiency green models cannot afford new ships altogether. This is why they are working to upgrade and modernize their existing fleet to meet the cleaner requirements. Some governments are also mandating certain laws in this regard.
Conclusion
There is no other alternative to move the global economy other than the mighty shipping and maritime industry. It is important that ships be converted into less polluting ways and means of transportation. Governments and private players have to come together and work to overcome issues relating to technology and capital investments.
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