The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) has this week launched its Progress Report 2015, the contents of which highlight the positive developments that have been driving the sustainability of shipping.
Key achievements to date by SSI members actively engaging and driving sustainability changes within shipping are detailed. A number of initiatives have been led and implemented by the members to deliver solutions and make shipping more prosperous and sustainable by 2040.
The report also draws upon the development and use of clean technologies and financial assistance for implementation, thanks to SSI’s Save As You Sail (SAYS) financial concept that demonstrates how charterers, owners and financiers can model return on investment and profits from more efficient vessels.
The report also demonstrates how the SSI has facilitated action and debate between industry stakeholders to address the challenges of responsible recycling. The recent launch of the Futures Centre to improve the exchange of information of education to drive better decision-making was also mentioned in the report, as was the recent research and analysis that has been conducted to assess attitudes to life at sea and to see what can be done to make shipping a more attractive place to work and develop a career.
Additionally, the development of a Roadmap, to be launched in Q1 2016 is to set out the key milestones and critical areas that must be addressed to chart a path to success by 2040, and the recent Shared Commitments that has been signed by the SSI, hope to demonstrate sustainable practise and provide greater transparency and accountability to drive improvement within the group.
The Progress Report also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead in making shipping sustainable. For instance, the need for a strong regulatory framework to be implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to support CO2 emissions reduction and the delivery of the UNFCCC’s target of less than two degrees warming, as agreed at the recent COP 21 meeting.
Improvements are continuously required in energy efficiency standards, as well as driving further debate and change in relation to ocean governance and sustainable use of ocean resources, the report also suggests.
Although there are many challenges ahead, the SSI remain confident that through the collaboration of organisations, sustainable behaviours can be driven and achieved.
Alastair Fischbacher, CEO, Sustainable Shipping Initiative commented: “The Progress Report demonstrates the real value of being a member of SSI. It highlights the sense of purpose and pride that comes from our members in positively contributing to our cause, by working on the front line, investing time, knowledge and expertise to pioneer new initiatives and progressive ways of thinking in order to create a more sustainable and profitable shipping industry.”
To view the full report, please click here.
