Stakeholders at the maritime industry have expressed desire towards achieving zero shipping decarbonisation.
The stakeholders stated this at an engagement with critical stakeholders in the maritime industry on the maiden edition of the African strategic summit on shipping decarbonisation.
Speaking at the event, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said “the global shipping industry is at a pivotal juncture as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is set to finalise and adopt the policy framework on the Revised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Strategy and the basket of midterm measures by this autumn. The progression of negotiations and research work done so far suggests Africa along with most developing countries will be mostly impacted due to the transport cost increase as result of the energy transition to near-zero and zero emissions for the shipping sector. You may wish to know that, our contribution to the global fleet is below two per cent, and as such, our dependency on imports from other parts of the world makes this transition an important debate we must not shy away from.
“Trade is critical to our place in the world and with over 90 per cent of global trade facilitated by maritime transport, reducing GHG emissions from shipping is not just an environmental necessity, but an economic imperative. As IMO advances its regulatory framework on decarbonisation, Africa must ensure that its voice is heard, and its interests safeguarded in shaping policies that impact our economies and livelihoods.
“As a coastal continent with 38 coastal nations, we stand a chance to explore opportunities that this energy transition offers our region by engaging the global north to partner with Africa to utilise the need to develop our ports as a launch pad for catalysing the industrialisation of Africa. We must carefully develop meaningful discussions and partnership that does not set us back to extractive partnerships but a respectful approach to building our region and strengthening our position in the world. This will not come easy, and that is the essence of this summit.”
Also speaking, the director general/CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said shipping decarbonisation is the effort to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions from the shipping industry. It is a significant contributor to global emissions. The shipping industry accounts for approximately three per cent of global GHG emissions contributing to climate change. The environmental concerns arising from these emissions have created a sense of urgency, driving the world to focus on shipping decarbonisation—and Africa must not be left behind.”
He further stated that during this summit, stakeholders will engage in constructive dialogue and explore opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.
Also speaking, the chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla said the issue of decarbonisation and climate change has been a burning issue all over the world and the Nigeria Navy is working to achieve decarbonisation in our ships.
Also speaking, the principal investigator of the LEAP project, Dola Oluteye said shipping is the backbone of global trading but also contributes a lot to carbon pollution and this is why the world is working towards decarbonisation.
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