Are Shipping Lines Going Green?

When the public thinks of large container ships criss-crossing the world, the first thought that comes to mind is usually one of concern about the pollution these vessels are causing. However, I have read that organizations such as the World Shipping Council (WSC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are now involved in leading efforts to clean up their industry.

In a recent article it appears that a number of shipping lines, such as NYK and APL, as well as the WSC and IMO are taking the lead in attempts to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide and other vessel pollutants. In a similar effort onshore, the ports at Long Beach, Oakland and Los Angeles are reported to be working to introducing ultra-low sulfur fuel for handling equipment to reduce sulfur oxide emissions.

How much of this effort by shipping lines is actually due to environment concerns rather than trying to reduce their costs as fuel prices continue to climb higher, no-one really knows. But if shipping lines just do one thing and simply reduce vessel speeds and thereby increase fuel consumption, then that result is a win-win for everyone.