Green Initiatives in the Maritime Sector

The maritime sector plays a crucial role in global trade, with over 90% of worldwide trade transacted via ocean-going vessels. However, this sector is also one of the most challenging to decarbonise. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has challenged the shipping industry to cut annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least half by 2050, compared to 2008.

Decarbonising the Maritime Sector

The maritime sector's decarbonisation strategy must involve a combination of energy efficiency and renewable fuels. In the short term, advanced biofuels will play a key role in the reduction of CO2 emissions. In the medium and long-term, green hydrogen-based fuels are set to be the backbone for the sector’s decarbonisation. Renewable e-ammonia will play a pivotal role. While renewable fuels production costs are currently high, in the next decades renewable fuels will become cost competitive and can shield the shipping sector from the volatility that characterises the fossil fuels market.

The French shipping company CMA CGM has announced the launch of a €200 million fund in partnership with the public investment bank Bpifrance. It is intended to promote the implementation of energy transition projects carried out by companies in the sector.

Improving Energy Efficiency of Ports

Energy efficiency in port buildings is a critical aspect of the green transition.

As an example, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal (CIT), operator of the 2nd container terminal of the Port of Abidjan, has obtained the Excellence in Designing for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE-Advanced) Certification. This certification recognises CIT's mastery of environmental aspects in its design and construction phase, as well as the energy efficiency of its buildings (maintenance workshop and operations building).

This certification attests to the compliance of the buildings built by the port operator with the EDGE standard, which incorporates some of the most advanced requirements in terms of environmental management (eco-design, materials, sustainability, water savings, energy savings, etc.). According to the IFC, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal's EDGE Advanced certified buildings allow energy savings of at least 23% compared to a conventional building, water savings of 30% and energy efficiency of building materials of 49% to 55%.

In addition to the eco-responsible commitments on its buildings, Côte d'Ivoire Terminal is committed to reducing the impact of its operational activities on the environment through several eco-responsibility programs, including the acquisition of electrically powered equipment and handling equipment.

Cote d’Ivoire is only one of our supported ECTN destinations, check it out! 

Sources:
www.irena.org | www.unctad.org |  www.energy.ec.europa.eu |  www.agenceecofin.com | www.gggi.org/country/cote-divoire