“in 1970, the fuel consumption of a slow-running engine, as installed in
container ships, was 210 grams per kilowatt. this fi gure was already down
to 170 grams in the mid-1980s and will be about 150 grams by 2010”
ship carries a ton of cargo, it is far more energy efficient and environmentally-focused thinking being integral to the design of
emits much less CO2 than other modes of transportation doing ships and containers. Indeed, technological advances over the last
a similar job. On average a container ship emits around 40 times thirty years have contributed to shipping’s success in improving
less CO2 than a large freight aircraft and over three times less energy effi ciency and reducing CO2 emissions.
than a heavy truck. Container shipping is also estimated to be
two and a half times more energy efficient than rail and seven Ship emissions can be signifi cantly reduced immediately if
times more so than road. diesel engines are operated under full load at optimum speed
– similar to the fuel consumption of a car. Some shipping lines
However, the industry recognises it cannot rest on its laurels. While have very effectively promoted this subject in the industry and
much progress has been achieved, there remains much to do. last year reduced service speed from 23.5 to 20 knots. The key
So container shipping companies are continually working hard, improvements are:
alongside environmental agencies and governments, to reduce
the impact they make on the environment, particularly in the areas • 43 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per vessel per day at
of emissions reduction and pollution. sea
• 33 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per standard unit
Most of the world’s largest container shipping lines have a specifi c (known as a ‘TEU’)
environmental policy in place and many also offer environmental
awareness training to crew and sea-faring staff. Additionally, Cutting fuel consumption also leads to a signifi cant reduction
most members work with or are full members of the Clean Cargo in emissions, immediately and independent of international
Working Group and the World Shipping Council. The Clean Cargo regulations. It is a “win-win” situation that benefi ts all.
Working Group develops voluntary guidelines and metrics aimed
at improving freight transport’s performance in environmental The industry has made great progress with the main engines of
sustainability. Working with legislators, government agencies and ships. In 1970, the fuel consumption of a slow-running engine,
international organisations, the World Shipping Council focuses as installed in container ships, was 210 grams per kilowatt. This
specifi cally in the US on the areas of vessel air emissions, ballast fi gure was already down to 170 grams in the mid-1980s and will
water management, and the protection of North Atlantic Right be about 150 grams by 2010. Improvements in fuel fi ltering have
Whales and coral reefs. further reduced the level of CO2 emissions.
Innovative solutions The environment is considered at the design stage of ships, so
that a new generation of container ships built with optimal hull
Environmental protection begins at a practical level, with designs and the latest propeller technologies have improved fuel
87 | ecoexecutive
Shipping.indd 87 18/4/08 16:53:04
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