The maritime industry is the backbone of the global economy and international trade. Today, the shipping sector produces 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN body that regulates the shipping industry, has set a target to cut the sector’s carbon emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, with the aim of eliminating them altogether. The industry has been in transition for many years, focusing on lower emissions and ways to achieve decarbonisation. With IMO 2050 standards on the horizon, we all need to do more, and at pace. Decarbonisation is perhaps the greatest challenge that shipping faces, in terms of its potential to reshape fundamental elements of our industry, and the most pressing, in the face of the growing climate emergency.
Sustainability is a strategic imperative for Rotterdam Port Logistics and Storage BV, above all, a business priority. We recognize the pivotal role we play in connecting the world, and our strong core values and long-term view drive our commitment to playing our part in creating a sustainable future. At Rotterdam Port Logistics and Storage BV, we firmly believe that in the future, environmental credentials will become as important a consideration for vessel owners as health and safety. Vessels under our fleet reduced carbon emissions by 4 per cent in 2021. With the new technology on the horizon, and green fuels, there is huge scope to cut this even further.
Climate action is a global imperative, requiring collective action as we navigate the energy transition. As a leading company, Rotterdam Port Logistics has a crucial role to play in decarbonising logistics. Collaboration across the supply and value chain is key to enable the investments needed to decarbonise as well as accelerate solutions at scale. We enable logistics decarbonisation by aiming for carbon neutrality; supporting logistics transition solutions; and maintaining a focus on energy efficiency
Our company abides by strict health and safety standards both in its headquarters and on board its ships, involving regular drills, staff training sessions and thorough medical check-ups for travelling personnel. We also take energy efficiency and environmental awareness very seriously. Energy consumption is minimized whenever possible by using clever technology and putting in place practical strategies. We try our best to reduce the amount of trash produced. Our staff members are also trained to use as little energy, chemicals, and effluent as possible.
With the shipping industry facing an increased amount of scrutiny in regard to its environmental practice, Rotterdam Port Logistics has committed to adopting and promoting industry standards and best practices to establish itself as a leader in environmental practices for ship management, both at sea and ashore. The earlier we begin to tackle our carbon emissions, the better, and our current efforts to support decarbonisation include measuring our CO2 emissions in all our practices, and optimising fuel use with intelligent use of systems and measuring tools.