MARITIME WORLD: Net Zero is one of the key issues facing the maritime sector (Picture: Deep South Media)
The race to net zero is well and truly underway in many sectors of the UK economy, especially engineering, manufacturing, transport and maritime.
One of the government’s latest initiatives to decarbonise all sectors of the economy by 2050 is the launch of a £77m Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (AEVI) competition in the maritime sector.
It may seem like a drop in the ocean for the massive transitional costs for this sector alone but the government says it is the first time it has directly intervened to specifically target this level of funding for green maritime technology.
Target 2025
The aim is to take technology from the factory to the sea. Successful projects must be able to show that they could use the funding to work with ports and operators to launch a zero-emission vessel by 2025.
Such technology could include battery electric vessels, shoreside electrical power, ships running on low carbon fuels such as hydrogen or ammonia, and wind-assisted ferries.
Deep South Media supported a construction client on the pioneering development of a flagship cruise terminal at ABP’s Port of Southampton which was fitted with shoreside power supplies.
On the Horizon
It means that suitably equipped cruise vessels pulling up to £55m Horizon cruise terminal can switch their auxiliary engines off and plug into quayside electrical units – creating a greener port and better air quality.
Deep South Media knows Southampton well, having worked with port operator ABP previously as well as DP World Southampton, a stevedore company in the area and the cargo shipping line Geest just along the coast in Portsmouth.
We’re also a regular visitor to the Seawork commercial marine conference in Southampton, which is being held on June 13 to 15 this year.
AHOY: James Tourgout from Deep South Media at Seawork in Southampton
New opportunities
Our current maritime clients include international maritime consultancy TMG and marine engineering specialist SMS, which operates at various UK ports.
Net Zero will increasingly be on their minds – whether that is for new opportunities or to face the challenges raised as the pace of transition speeds up over the coming years.
According to the World Economic Forum, the shipping industry contributes nearly 3% of all global greenhouses gas emissions annually. However, importantly, it is central to 90% of global trade so solutions are absolutely vital.
Maritime progress
The industry has a target for zero-emission fuels to make up 5% of international shipping fuels by 2030 through technology, finance, policy changes and infrastructure.
According to the WEF, there has been significant progress so far but more effort is needed: ‘The 5% 2030 breakthrough goal is the floor, not the ceiling’.
It adds: “It is clear that the shipping industry is intent on taking a leading role in the just healthy and resilient transition to a zero-carbon world. We must continue to monitor and track our progress towards this and see this as a signal to strengthen collaboration, accelerate pace and convert commitments to actions.”
How to get in touch
Is your maritime company looking for professional content during the labour skills shortage? Deep South Media can provide a range of services including LinkedIn management, press releases, visual content, blogs, internal comms, staff newsletters and reactive advice for difficult situations. Retained packages available from £800 plus VAT per calendar month.
Deep South Media’s associate director James Tourgout is available for a friendly, no-obligation chat.
You can contact James via DM on his LinkedIn, or email info@deepsouthmedia.co.uk. If you prefer, please contact James on 01202 534487.
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