zoomImage Courtesy: SSI

The development and use of clean technologies, and facilitating access to finance for their implementation through the Save as you Sail (SAYS) financial concept has been one of the key projects in 2105, the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), a coalition of companies from across the global shipping industry, said in its progress report.

The report details the key achievements, as well as the significant body of work that has been conducted by SSI members throughout the year. These activities included facilitating action and debate with key industry stakeholders to address the challenges of responsible ship recycling, improving the transparent exchange of information to educate and drive better decision-making through the launch of a knowledge sharing platform on the future of shipping through the Futures Centre.

In addition, research and analysing were conducted with relation to attitudes to life at sea, and what can be done to make shipping a more attractive place to work and develop a career, along with a development of a Roadmap – to be launched in Q1 2016 – a ‘live’ tool that sets out the key milestones and critical areas that must be addressed to chart a path to success by 2040.

SSI members have also recently signed up to a set of Shared Commitments to underscore their individual dedication to sustainability.

The report also acknowledges the significant challenges that lie ahead in the short-term. Specifically, the requirement for a strong regulatory framework designed and implemented by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) that supports the reduction of CO2 emissions, and delivery of the UNFCCC’s target of less than two degrees warming, as agreed at the recent COP 21 meeting. It also shows the need for continued improvements in energy efficiency standards, as well as driving further debate and change in relation to ocean governance and the sustainable and equitable use of ocean resources.

“There is no room for complacency, and we must be under no illusion of the significant challenges that lie ahead. But we have shown that when organisations within the industry come together to make a difference and drive more sustainable behaviours great things can be achieved. We will continue with this mission, and welcome organisations from all elements of the shipping supply chain to join with us and work to deliver a sustainable industry. An industry which continues to play a critical role in driving the global economy, and in which future generations can thrive,” said Alastair Fischbacher, CEO, the Sustainable Shipping Initiative.