At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles have unveiled a partnership strategy for a green and digital shipping corridor across the Pacific Ocean, having signed a memorandum of understanding on the matter earlier in the year.
“Over the last two decades, we’ve learned that collaboration between maritime industry partners is the key to making meaningful progress in reducing emissions and cleaning the air,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “This transpacific green shipping corridor takes this concept global. The strategies we develop here can be used as a roadmap by a larger network of seaports and supply chain companies to invest in programs, technologies, software and infrastructure to decarbonise international trade everywhere.”
The strategy released Wednesday outlines steps to accelerate decarbonisation of the maritime shipping industry by enabling first-mover organisations to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the earliest feasible date.
Notably ,the plan includes a partnership structure and governance mechanism which provides clarity on the roles and responsibilities of corridor partners. The strategy also outlines processes for onboarding new participants, financial management, confidentiality and decision-making.
A new report co-created by the UN Global Compact, the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, and the Sustainable Shipping Initiative has outlined the necessary considerations and actions required from companies and governments involved in establishing green shipping corridors around the world.
Recommendations include ensuring green corridors leverage wider transition aims regionally, as well as advocating for strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks.
Sustainable Shipping Initiative CEO Steven Jones commented: “By taking concrete steps to incorporate principles of fair labour practices, community engagement, and inclusivity, green corridor consortia can play a key role in establishing a sustainable shipping sector that is decarbonised, just, and equitable.”
