Key Insights into Maritime Emissions

VesselBot, a technology company that brings transparency to Scope 3 transportation emissions, has released the December 2023 edition of its comprehensive report titled ‘Decoding Maritime Emissions – Highs, Lows, and Green Leaders across global ocean routes.’

This pivotal document sheds light on the development of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping and freight industry, a critical factor in global climate change mitigation efforts.

Key Statistics:

1. Downward Trend in Emissions: The average emissions per kg/tonne have improved since last year. Between January and July, 2023 emissions have dropped by 12% compared to the same period last year. When comparing the emissions by trade lane, North Europe to the Middle East showed the best improvement in 2023 (Jan-Jul) compared to the same period in 2022 with a 75% drop in emissions.

2. Improvements by Vessel Groups: Three vessel groups, namely VLCS, ULCS, and Post Panamax II, exhibited significant reductions in emissions in 2023. Each group demonstrated a reduction of over 20% compared to the emissions recorded in the previous year. Although the improvement should be welcomed and is plausible, the report delves into the possible factors that may have contributed to this achievement.

3. Emissions by Country of Departure: In the year 2023, New Zealand recorded the highest average emissions per tonne among countries of loading at 222 kg per tonne of cargo shipped. Conversely, the United Arab Emirates recorded the lowest at 71 kg per tonne.

Invitation to Action:

This report is an essential read for anyone involved in the maritime industry, environmental policy-making, or global trade. It not only celebrates the progress made in certain areas but also highlights the ongoing challenges, underscoring the urgency for continued action and innovation.

We encourage all stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates, to download and read the full ‘Decoding Maritime Emissions’ report for detailed insights. This comprehensive analysis is a testament to the possible change and a roadmap for further reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint.

Sustainability Strategy with Climate Tech

Nippon Express Europe GmbH (NX Europe), a group company of the global Japanese logistics service provider Nippon Express Holdings, is set to realize the achievement of its sustainability goals in collaboration with the Climate Tech start-up, Cozero, based in Berlin.

In NX Group’s pursuit of reducing its CO₂ emissions by 50 percent by 2030 as compared to 2013 (Scope1,2), the parent company, Nippon Express Holdings Inc., submitted a letter of commitment to obtain Science Based Targets (SBT) certification in May 2023.

The collaboration between NX Europe and Cozero stemmed from Cozero’s comprehensive, transparent, and agile end-to-end solution that holistically considers both logistical and non-logistical emissions, which supports the forecasting and planning of decarbonization efforts.

Within a few weeks, Cozero’s Climate Action Platform was implemented at 30 European locations of the company for reporting Scope-1, Scope-2, and Scope-3 emissions. As a result, NX Europe is now able to implement customized local reduction strategies in alignment with SBT.

Climate Tech

Olaf Zimmlinghaus, Executive Director – General Affairs and Finance EMEA at NX Europe, stated, “Achieving our sustainability goals to combat climate change holds a special place within the NX Group. Our well-defined sustainability goals are not only deeply embedded in our operations but also subject to continuous monitoring of success. The data-driven solution provided by Cozero enables us to implement sustainability transformation into our corporate planning.”

Helen Tacke, Co-founder and CEO of Cozero GmbH, commented, “The NX Group is an exceptional example of the integration of financial and sustainability performances. Recognizing that corporate strategy and sustainability must walk hand in hand is pivotal for transformative success. We are proud to be able to contribute with data insights and measures through our software solution to support this synergy. “

Carbon Emission Management in Supply Chains

AIMMS, a global leader in advanced supply chain planning and optimization solutions, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with BigMile, a pioneering technology partner specializing in providing accurate carbon emission data for supply chain and logistics.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing AIMMS’ commitment to sustainability and equipping its customers with the tools to reduce their carbon footprint.

As part of this partnership, AIMMS will complement its suite of supply chain optimization tools with BigMile’s cutting-edge data and technology. AIMMS customers will be able to gain access to accurate data related to actual CO2 emissions, enabling them to make environmentally responsible decisions that contribute to their sustainability goals. The partnership also brings forth the possibility of benchmarking carbon emissions, offering AIMMS customers a comprehensive view of their environmental impact.

Jan Pronk, Managing Director of BigMile, comments: “Today’s businesses are operating in disruptive and ever-changing environments, with complex supply chains that need to be both resilient and sustainable. As BigMile, we can contribute to this by helping companies to calculate, allocate and report ISO 14083-compliant carbon emissions for all their supply chain and logistics-related activities. In AIMMS, I am proud to say that we’ve found a partner with a proven track record who can complement our solution with state-of-the-art supply chain network design technology to support companies’ supply chain resilience and sustainability on a strategic level.”

Benchmark

“AIMMS has always been dedicated to empowering our customers with innovative solutions that drive value and sustainability. Our collaboration with BigMile is a significant step towards this goal, allowing us to provide our customers with vital carbon emission data and the potential to benchmark their emissions, aligning with their sustainability objectives,” said Zoe Schouten, Business Director Supply Chain Solutions.

This partnership between AIMMS and BigMile will enable businesses to:
• Reduce their carbon footprint by making informed decisions based on carbon emission data.
• Enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience.
• Gain a competitive edge by adopting sustainable practices.

For AIMMS customers interested in benchmarking their carbon emissions, this partnership opens new possibilities. AIMMS and BigMile are dedicated to working closely with customers to meet their unique requirements and provide tailored solutions.

Top 100 UK Supply Chains Emit 3 billion tonnes of CO2

The supply chains of FTSE 100 companies emitted 3 billion tons of CO2 last year, shows research by supply chain experts INVERTO, a subsidiary of Boston Consulting Group.

These latest figures show just how far the UK’s biggest businesses still have to go in achieving Net Zero in their supply chains (i.e. the raw materials, goods and services that FTSE 100 companies use).

The Top 5 emitters alone accounted for 86% of the FTSE 100 total (2.56bn tonnes of CO2), while the Top 10 accounted for 93% (2.79bn tonnes of CO2). The Top 10 was dominated by oil & gas, mining and engineering firms. Supply chain emissions – also known as Scope 3 emissions – include all indirect emissions occurring in the upstream and downstream activities of an organisation, e.g. from the goods and services it purchases.

Sushank Agarwal, Managing Director at INVERTO, argues that though much work remains, progress is being made towards Net Zero emissions in FTSE 100 supply chains. “Even though there’s still a long way to go, we’re in a much better place than we were on supply chain decarbonisation just a couple of years ago. There’s now a lot of awareness and strong senior sponsorship, but many are still in the process of turning that into concrete action.

“Those businesses that have started their journey are mainly focusing on reducing their Scope 3 emissions through embedding sustainability measures into their sourcing processes and working directly with key suppliers to reduce emissions throughout the value chain. The bulk of supply chain emissions reductions are relatively achievable in the medium term, with only a minority requiring further technological advancement or very large-scale investment. That’s what businesses should be focusing on today – the low-hanging fruit in their supply chains.”

Still too few FTSE 100 companies setting Net Zero targets

There is concern that not enough FTSE 100 companies have made explicit commitments for when they will achieve Net Zero. INVERTO’s research shows that so far, only 53 FTSE 100 companies have set a clear target date for fully decarbonising their supply chains. With an average target date of 2043 (see table below), INVERTO says that more FTSE 100 companies should be setting challenging targets for faster supply chain decarbonisation.

Agarwal says there is also a lack of FTSE 100 companies setting interim targets on their roadmap to Net Zero. This tactic means companies are more likely to commit resources to decarbonisation today, rather than hoping to catch up in 10 or 20 years’ time. “All companies should have a clear deadline for achieving Net Zero and milestones in place to get there. If they are targeting 2050 for complete decarbonisation of their supply chains, they should make clear where they will reach by 2030 and 2040 too. While some sectors will of course take much longer to get there, their progress will undoubtedly quicken over time.”

Far more reporting needed from the UK’s biggest listed companies

INVERTO says there is also a lack of regular and precise reporting on progress in reducing supply chain emissions by FTSE 100 companies. Overall, 57 FTSE 100 companies report their progress to shareholders, although the quality of the reporting varies significantly. While 57 companies have reporting in place, only 44 are reporting by using a clear metric – most often a percentage change on the year before. This is a sign that improvement is necessary, says Agarwal.

Highest-emitting sectors account for lion’s share of overall supply chain emissions

Despite the FTSE 100 as a whole emitting some 3 billion tonnes of CO2, just two sectors accounted for five sixths of the total: oil & gas with 49.6% and mining with 34.3%. Between them both, oil & gas and mining amount to just eight FTSE 100 companies.

Agarwal concludes: “All companies have a responsibility to bring down their supply chain emissions, but some more so than others. It’s expected that oil & gas and mining account for the lion’s share of emissions, so these sectors have the most to contribute to decarbonisation. Their efforts will automatically have a huge effect on other companies Scope 3 emissions as well.”

CMA CGM and Maersk Pledge Shipping Decarbonization

A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S (Maersk) and CMA CGM have decided to join forces on several areas relating to decarbonization, in full compliance with all laws and regulations. As frontrunners of the energy transition in shipping, both companies are convinced that joint action will help accelerating the green transition in shipping, learning from each other to go further and faster.

CMA CGM and Maersk have set a net-zero target for their shipping business, have identified scalable solutions that can create impact in this decade, and have already individually taken ambitious paths on promoting decarbonization for shipping.

Maersk has been ordering vessels that can be operated on bio/e-methanol. CMA CGM has been ordering LNG-propelled vessels, that can also be operated on bio/e-methane, the new green equivalent of current LNG, and has also placed orders for vessels that can be operated on bio/e-methanol. While these two fuel streams appear now as the most mature among existing solutions, both companies expect the future fuel mix of shipping will include other streams that should be developed in the coming years.

An ambitious collaboration to develop the future of fuels for the shipping industry

Specifically, both shipping lines will work more together to develop the use of alternative greener fuels for container vessel propulsion, namely:

1. Developing high standards for alternative sustainable, green fuels – including the analysis of full lifecycle and related greenhouse gasses – and helping to setting the framework of mass production of green methane and green methanol.
2. Developing and maintaining standards for operation of green methanol vessels with regards to safety and bunkering, as well as accelerating port readiness for bunkering and supply of bio/e-methanol at key ports around the world.
3. Continuing to explore jointly R+D on other components of the net zero solution as new alternative fuels, like ammonia, or innovation technology for our ships.

Two leading shipping companies to push advocacy together for the energy transition of the industry

Moreover, Maersk and CMA-CGM both agree to the fundamental role of regulation in securing the decarbonization of the sector. Both companies warmly welcome the outcome of the recent Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization during which the IMO’s 2023 Strategy for Reducing GHG Emissions from Ships was adopted, with reinforced targets to tackle harmful emissions.

Maersk and CMA CGM remain committed to jointly advocating for and encouraging IMO Member States to adopt ambitious measures in their pursuit of the highest attainable goals. Regional measures such as the EU Fit for 55 and the Inflation Reduction Act in the US are welcomed by both companies to help stimulate demand for green shipping solutions.

CMA CGM and Maersk affirm their readiness to collaboratively engage with regulatory stakeholders in establishing a robust and sustainable international regulatory GHG framework and invite other international shipping lines who so wish to join them in this cooperation with the regulatory institutions. Such a framework is in both our companies’ perspective a prerequisite to reducing carbon emissions for the shipping industry and securing a level-playing field for a global business environment.

“This partnership is a milestone for the decarbonization of our industry. By combining the know-how and the expertise of two shipping leaders, we will accelerate the development of new solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to reach its CO2 reduction targets. We are looking forward to being joined by other companies.” says Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group.

“A.P. Moller – Maersk wants to accelerate the green transition in shipping and logistics and to do so, we need strong involvement from partners across the industry. We are pleased to have an ally in CMA CGM and it’s a testament that when we unite through determined efforts and partnerships, a tangible and optimistic path toward a sustainable future emerges,” says Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk.

Ports Help in Reducing Shipping Emissions

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long been committed to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, aiming for a minimum 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050 through stricter regulations and improved energy efficiency. However, recent discussions at the Green4Sea Forum in Athens have highlighted IMO’s challenges in developing credible plans and policies. Suppose the IMO fails to provide effective solutions. In that case, there is a risk that regional and national authorities will take unilateral actions to regulate emissions, potentially fragmenting the global shipping industry’s operations.

In the quest to reduce the shipping industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it has become increasingly evident that slow-steaming, a commonly employed strategy, may not be the ultimate solution everyone thought. Recent studies by Simpson Spence & Young and Clarksons have cast doubt on the effectiveness of slow-steaming, a widely employed strategy. These studies suggest that the benefits of slow steaming may have been overestimated due to unrealistic assumptions about fuel consumption and ship speed. Real-world evidence indicates that the relationship between ship speed and fuel consumption is more nuanced than previously believed, challenging the assumptions underlying the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation. This calls for a re-evaluation of strategies.

Instead, a greater focus on the role of ports in achieving emission reduction goals is beginning to be recognized and their role in helping shipping lines achieve emission reduction targets. Acknowledging ports as key partners in the fight against emissions highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.

This recognition highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability in the maritime sector, with ports serving as vital partners in the fight against emissions. So as the industry navigates these complexities, there is an urgent call for holistic approaches encompassing the entire logistics chain, with ports playing a pivotal role in achieving emission reduction targets.

The maritime sector is also increasingly turning to data-driven decision-making and digital solutions to address these challenges and accelerate the industry’s adaptation to a changing world. One notable example that brings these two ways of thinking together is the Port of Rotterdam, which has embarked on a sustainability journey to minimize its environmental impact. However, obtaining accurate real-time data on transport emissions proved to be a significant hurdle for the port, hampering the implementation of targeted improvement strategies.

To overcome this challenge, the Port of Rotterdam employed PortXchange Synchronizer developed by PortXchange, a spinoff of the Port of Rotterdam, a digital solution designed to align all stakeholders in a port call, reduce emissions and facilitate just-in-time arrivals. In addition to the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the Port of Rotterdam launched PortXchange EmissionInsider, a solution to monitor and analyze transport-related emissions. This solution enabled the port to gain unprecedented visibility into its transport emissions, standardize reporting and identify areas with the greatest potential for decarbonization. By leveraging AI algorithms and data triangulation, the platform provided comprehensive emissions profiles for each ship within the port’s jurisdiction, enabling data-driven decision-making to support emission reduction strategies.

Through the implementation of PortXchange Synchronizer, the port achieved a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions from shipping operations and a 15% decrease in NOx emissions. Collaboration with shipping companies was pivotal in promoting greener practices and driving sustainability initiatives forward.

The maritime industry is at a critical juncture where embracing digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration between ports and shipping lines are vital. By leveraging innovative technologies and taking a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, the industry can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Accelerate Emission Reductions

Yard Management Solutions aims to revolutionize the yard management industry and assist Co2 emission reductions by introducing its state-of-the-art yard management software. This software has proven to be a game-changer, helping facilities reduce their carbon footprint while also unlocking significant cost savings. With the ability to save hundreds of thousands, and even millions, in the very first year, facilities can embark on a journey of unprecedented financial growth.

The traditional yard management approach can be inefficient and environmentally unfriendly, resulting in long wait times for trucks and increased emissions. Yard Management Solutions’ powerful software transforms the traditional, inefficient approach into an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution. With reductions of up to 30% in driver travel distances, facilities utilizing Yard Management Solutions make a substantial impact on CO2 emission reduction.

Beyond its environmental advantages, this software is a significant driver of financial benefits. By optimizing yard operations and automations, this cutting-edge solution eliminates inefficiencies and drives significant cost reductions. With real-time tracking and reporting capabilities at your fingertips, facilities can say goodbye to detention fees and lost product while experiencing an amplified level of supply chain efficiency. With Yard Management Solutions’ software, you can experience a new era of financial success and operational excellence, while also contributing to a greener future. Say goodbye to wasted resources and embrace a more efficient and sustainable approach to yard management.

Yard Management Software is not just a one-time solution; it fuels long-term growth and success. By providing real-time data analysis and performance metrics, businesses gain insights into their yard operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement data-driven strategies. This commitment to continuous improvement fosters a culture of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the organization. With Yard Management Solutions as their trusted ally, businesses can propel themselves towards a prosperous future, standing out in a competitive market and ensuring sustained growth for years to come.

Don’t waste another minute struggling with outdated methods or incurring costly detention fees. It’s time to transform your yard into a well-oiled machine and revolutionize your business. Schedule your live demo with us today and discover how Yard Management Solutions can be the game-changer your company needs. Join the ranks of satisfied customers who have experienced the Yard Management Solutions difference. It’s time to seize control of your yard operations, save substantial costs, and propel your business to new heights.

Mosca 2027 Sustainability Strategy

Mosca is making its corporate commitment transparent and offering an overview of future goals with its first in-depth sustainability strategy report. One key focus is on employee involvement and a commitment to minimal packaging. Mosca also supports customers and partners in their sustainability efforts.

The newly published sustainability report for 2021 outlines the company’s progress on its commitment to sustainability. It also includes a comprehensive materiality analysis and a detailed description of resource consumption along with numerous starting points/targets for new and ongoing sustainability projects. The industry’s technology leader also offers an outlook on upcoming changes that go hand in hand with Mosca’s Nonstop responsibility 2027 sustainability strategy.

Simone Mosca, CEO and head of the Mosca Sustainability Committee, explains: “We are deeply aware of our responsibilities as a manufacturing company. The Nonstop responsibility 2027 strategy reflects our approach to leading the way in our industry. This report enables us to spotlight the company’s social and ecological commitment over the years and to outline our goals for further improving sustainability in our corporate development.”

Sustainability report focuses on commitment

To create a sound basis, sustainability officer Ann Mertens and the sustainability committee analysed the current status in detail. “The year 2021 serves as a starting point from which we can present and evaluate our development based on the data,” Mertens explains. Based on this data, the company has already initiated actions aimed at reducing resource consumption. “So far, we launched heat and energy-efficiency projects. These included the conversion to local heating systems and LED lighting at the Waldbrunn site.”

Mertens identified other focal points: “In the coming months, we will be looking at how we view and communicate sustainability in-house and how we promote and support sustainability among our customers and partners.”

Minimise resource consumption and support employees

Mosca is committed to encouraging more staff involvement. The new ‘pitch day’ event format gives employees a chance to present their ideas for enhancing the company’s development in a three-minute time slot. The aim is to stimulate in-house communication. Mosca is also planning to expand its training and education programmes along with its social support. With a wider range of social counselling services, the company wants to focus on the mental health of employees and offer support in difficult situations.

Test centre, CO2 product calculator and digital services support customers

Mosca is also expanding its products and structures in the service sector. “We have a global service network with over 130 technicians. The expansion of our network and development of digital services enable us to minimise travel distances and continue to reliably support our customers in a targeted way,” Ann Mertens says.

Advisory services for customers on securing their loading units are also provided. A CO2 product calculator developed by Mosca will enable customers to estimate and optimise the resource consumption and carbon emissions of a specific packaging solution. Mertens explains: “This is where we can use our expertise to minimise packaging and demonstrate sustainable alternatives. At the same time, it enables us to support sustainability in our industry and beyond.”

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