Decarbonisation Of The Australian Maritime Industry

Wednesday, Maritime Industry Australia hosted its first maritime decarbonisation summit in Melbourne. A statement from the organisation said this is the first of a series of events to provide a platform to share knowledge and build important stakeholder networks focused on the decarbonisation of Australia’s maritime industry. The program includes a line-up of international and local speakers with expertise in geopolitics, energy policy, technology and the business of shipping.

MIAL said the event is a first for Australia, in terms of its focus on decarbonisation of the Australian maritime industry. MIAL CEO Teresa Lloyd opened the event and introduced shadow minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development Catherine King; International Chamber of Shipping secretary general Guy Platten; Future Industries Tasmania executive director – renewables Sean Terry; and Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation chief technology officer Dr Sanjay Kuttan.

Global Maritime Forum head of research and analysis Jesse Fahnestock opened the second session outlining some of the industry partnerships and projects occurring to develop green shipping corridors.

The Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade moderated an international panel including Danish Ambassador to Australia Pernille Kardel; Embassy of Japan’s minister for economic and cultural affairs Akihiko Sunami; and Norwegian Ambassador to Australia Paul Gulleik Larsen. The panel discussion focused on the importance of international collaboration and the development of green shipping corridors to ensure infrastructure and energy supply is adequate.

The third session tackled hydrogen-derived fuels of the future, and the program wrapped up with a discussion on bioenergy. MIAL deputy CEO Angela Gillham said Australia is totally reliant on international shipping for global trade and connectivity, and we have a vibrant and diverse domestic commercial vessel industry.

“There is a need to identify the areas where there is an intersection between infrastructure, relevant existing industries, potential renewable energy resources and centres of maritime activity, to unlock potential and capitalise on the natural advantages that exist within Australia to produce low, and zero carbon marine fuels and decarbonise our own critical domestic maritime industry”.

Ms Gillham said. “New IMO regulations governing the energy efficiency of international shipping are helping up the ante, however there is also a growing desire among shipping companies and their customers to demonstrate commitment to supply chain carbon transparency. Along with our economy-wide net zero by 2050 target, both factors are combining to create an urgency within Australia’s maritime industry to access technological and operational solutions.”

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority was a major sponsor of the event, and AMSA CEO Mick Kinley said the authority is proud to support the summit series. “This is an ideal opportunity for the Australian maritime industry to come together to promote the deployment of low and zero-carbon fuels into the Australian maritime sector and drive initiatives to support first movers,” Mr. Kinley said.

MIAL aims to use the summit series to help build these critical networks of key stakeholders within the maritime industry, new energy providers and relevant government agencies and departments to consult, collaborate and improve strategic coordination to ensure the path to decarbonisation of the maritime industry is as rapid and efficient as it needs to be.