THE Crown Prince of Norway has congratulated the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and DNV GL for their work on a new report, Sustainable Development Goals: Exploring Maritime Opportunities.
During a press event held this morning, the Crown Prince Haakon, thanked NSA and DNV GL for their work and stated that this report stressed Norway’s contribution to sustainable ocean use and gives us a clear stand on where we want to go. The report is based around the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and looks at where shipping can have a direct impact upon them.
With an overall aim to inspire new thoughts and actions related to sustainable development, the report has five key purposes.
The first one is to instigate action on the Paris Agreement. Technology is available but it needs to be implemented DNV GL told journalists at a press event held today. Regulation framework is essential in order for this to happen.
The second purpose of the report is to contribute to sustainable infrastructure and communities by encouraging and showing how shipping can implement low carbon transport. Shipping is a facilitator to other industries, according to Maria Gjølberg, Principal Consultant, Sustainability Services, DNV GL, who said that while the seas only supply 2% of our food, 75% of the planet is covered by it. This requires good governance of the ocean area in order to use it to its full potential, while remaining sustainable.
The protection of ocean life is also highlighted in the report. Weaknesses need to be addressed. These weaknesses include clearing up ocean plastic, reducing invasive species, and provide researchers and decision makers with big data on the state of the oceans.
The report also says that a sustainable future for the ocean economy must be created. Harvesting resources and creating jobs is vital for growth.
Furthermore, stricter requirements and promotion of responsible practices is required. This does not only include the reduction of emissions or use of technology to do so, but focuses on the design construction and recycling of ships. Safety measures must be implemented to make shipping truly sustainable.
