Benefits of carbon reduction in shipping
The advantages of carbon reduction in shipping extend across
multiple logistics and transport sectors, contributing to a more sustainable,
efficient, and resilient global transportation system. The benefits align with
broader efforts to create a more environmentally friendly and socially
responsible approach to transportation and logistics. Carbon reduction is the
process of adopting green shipping methods to reduce the emission of carbon
dioxide into the air caused during transportation of goods through trains,
trucks, ships and planes. Let us learn more about the advantages of carbon
reduction in shipping.
Define carbon reduction in shipping
Carbon reduction strategies, technologies and measures are
employed to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse
gases released into the atmosphere. These may include improving energy
efficiency, shifting from fossil fuels to sources such as wind power, solar
power and biofuels, and adopting sustainable practices in different sectors
like transportation, manufacturing or agriculture. Carbon reduction includes
carbon capture and storage (CCS), reforestation, and embracing circular economy
principles to reduce waste and emissions. The overarching objective is to
mitigate climate change and its negative effects on natural ecosystems and
human health.
Causes of carbon emission in shipping
The reasons for carbon emissions in shipping are-
- Excessive use
of fossil fuels- Fossil fuel by-products such as petroleum,
diesel, and gasoline are enriched with high carbon content. A large number
of ships, trucks, and planes depend on fossil fuels as a source of energy.
Daily carbon emissions are high since the transportation industry operates
many trucks, trains, planes, and ships.
- Inefficient engines- Inefficiencies
in combustion engines can lead to incomplete fuel burning, which in turn
adds more pollutants, such as carbon monoxide.
- Lack of alternative fuels- Although
there are a variety of alternative fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, and
natural gas, the shipping industry cannot operate on them to their full
potential. The limited availability of alternative fuels contributes to
continued reliance on fossil fuels.
- Lack
of route optimization- Vehicles, ships, or planes moving through
traffic-laden routes result in increased idling and continuous engine
starting and stopping. This causes higher fuel consumption and increased
carbon emissions.
Advantages of carbon reduction in shipping
The benefits of carbon reduction in shipping are as follows-
- Mitigating
climate change- The International Maritime Organisation's
efforts, through EEXI and CII regulations, are moving the shipping
industry towards carbon reduction. Since the carbon dioxide released from
transportation significantly contributes to global warming, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions combats climate change.
- Reduces dependence on non-renewable sources- Fossil fuels
are primarily used across the shipping industry as a source of energy.
With carbon reduction initiatives, shipping companies are switching
towards alternative fuels that are cleaner energy sources, which helps
significantly reduce carbon emissions.
- Cost savings- Cleaner
energy sources offer a better investment rate, decreasing operational
costs and contributing to lower shipping rates in trade. The government
also provides various grants and incentives to shipping companies that are
adopting the green revolution in shipping.
- Reduces carbon footprint- By reducing
global shipping emissions, the carbon footprint of every organization
decreases, making them more reliable and desirable for shippers as service
providers.
- Promotes
innovation—Digitisation in shipping results from the
demand for solutions to multiple shipping challenges, including carbon
reduction. Thus, it promotes innovations and new solutions that can
enhance the face of global shipping.
These are a few advantages of carbon reduction in shipping that attract various organizations and companies in trade to adopt green shipping methods.
LOTUS Containers is a global marketer of shipping container solutions that offer shipper-owned containers (SOCs). With a range of shipping containers available, they sell and lease shipping containers in different sizes.
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