By Eric Huang.       Photo：Valentin Onu

International logistics play an indispensable role in the modern global economic system. However, this industry faces significant environmental challenges, especially in terms of carbon emissions and pollutant discharges. To address climate change, the global logistics sector is actively seeking ways to achieve carbon neutrality and greener transportation methods. A landmark project recently launched by the international community is the Green Shipping Corridor, a plan jointly promoted by leading players in the international logistics field to achieve emission reductions on one of the busiest container transport routes in the world.

The Green Shipping Corridor initiative is promoted by a voluntary partnership of stakeholders in maritime freight, including the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Shanghai. These ports are among the largest container shipping ports globally, and some of the largest container shipping companies worldwide are also involved. Additionally, the initiative has received support from the C40 Cities organization, a network of global mayors dedicated to addressing the climate crisis. The C40 organization acts as a coordinator for the Green Shipping Corridor, facilitating, convening, advocating, and providing communication support to achieve the corridor's goals.

One of the core objectives of the initiative is that by 2025, shipping company partners will begin deploying vessels with reduced or zero life-cycle carbon emissions capabilities. Furthermore, they will collectively strive to demonstrate the feasibility of deploying the world's first zero life-cycle carbon emission container ship by 2030. Participating shipping companies include CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Maersk, and ONE, with core partners including Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., China Classification Society, and the Asian Maritime Technical Cooperation Center.

Participants in the Green Shipping Corridor will take measures to reduce carbon emissions and harmful air pollutant emissions, including expanding shore power usage and supporting the development of clean vessel fuel infrastructure. Meanwhile, cargo owner partners have set goals to contract with shipping companies for transport services with zero life-cycle carbon emissions. To measure emission reduction progress, all partners will establish indicators to track their progress.

The realization of the Green Shipping Corridor holds six significant implications for international logistics:

Carbon Emission Reduction: The establishment of the Green Shipping Corridor will contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the international shipping industry. Most emissions from vessels occur during the mid-ocean portion between ports, and this corridor will help reduce mid-ocean emissions while continuing to cut emissions within ports, a vital environmental initiative.

Technological Innovation: The Green Shipping Corridor initiative will showcase advanced cargo transport technologies, emission reduction applications, and best management practices to enhance efficiency. This will stimulate efforts in technology, economics, and policy to progressively reduce emissions in shipping and port-related activities.

Global Collaboration: This project serves as a demonstration of global collaboration to accelerate transformation across the maritime industry. This collaboration not only lowers emissions but also promotes greener shipping practices, influencing societies far beyond the regions covered by the ports.

International Demonstration: The Green Shipping Corridor will become an international model for achieving carbon neutrality and greener international logistics. Other countries and regions can reference this successful model to develop similar emission reduction plans, fostering more environmentally friendly supply chains globally.

Green Supply Chains: This initiative will facilitate the creation of green supply chains, reducing product carbon footprints. Cargo owners can choose to contract with shipping companies providing transport services with zero life-cycle carbon emissions, driving greener supply chain practices.

Clean Fuel Infrastructure: The Green Shipping Corridor initiative will also support the development of clean vessel fuel infrastructure, contributing to sustainable fuel options and reducing vessel carbon emissions.

In summary, the Green Shipping Corridor initiative is a significant project that demonstrates the efforts of the global logistics industry to address climate change. By reducing carbon emissions, promoting technological innovation, and fostering global collaboration, this initiative will have a positive impact on both our environment and economy. We look forward to seeing the implementation of this project and its success in promoting greener international logistics practices worldwide.

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