By Falak Naeem
The pressing need to prevent climate change is driving a revolutionary transition in the maritime industry towards sustainability. The term “Green shipping”, introduced in 2007, was mainly aimed to raise the issue of environmental consequences through shipping sector and its mitigation measures. In continuation of the context, green shipping lanes are one of this transition’s most promising ideas. Low-emission practices and technology are given priority on these specially established paths between major ports, providing a route towards net-zero emissions. Green shipping lanes are essentially waterways where implementing sustainable practices and green technologies is given priority. This covers the application of energy-effective vessel designs and operational processes, as well as the usage of alternative fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, and liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The ultimate objective is to significantly cut the shipping industry’s emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) to support international efforts to reach net-zero emissions by the middle of the century.
Green maritime lanes provide new strategic policies, alliances, and business ideas with the perfect environment to break through the layers of complexity. 44 green shipping initiatives were suggested in the Global Maritime Forum’s most recent annual report, which was published in December 2023. Both shallow and deep-water routes are included in this. Existing green corridor initiativesinclude The Seattle-Tacoma-Honolulu Green Corridor, The Northern European Green Shipping Corridor, The Singapore-Jakarta Green Corridor, The China-Japan-Korea Green Shipping Corridor, The Mediterranean Green Maritime Corridor etc. However, due to predicted 3% rise in sea-based transportation, more concerted efforts are required. The IMO’s net zero objectives and nation-specific targets necessitate cooperation. Multiple parties, including ship owners, port authorities, and governmental bodies, must participate in decision-making. Decisions must be made in four main areas of concern in the greening domain: ships, ports, fuel, and voyage optimization. Under the realm of sustainability, some of the important green corridors in development are discussed here.
Trans-Pacific Corridor will connect the ports in North America and Asia and will facilitate infrastructure development of zero-emission fuels. Gothenburg-North Sea Port Corridor has the build roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel driven by ammonia. The Australia-Japan Iron Ore Corridor will support emission reduction through the export of 90% of iron ore on ammonia consumption for fuel. By 2025, it’s expected that the first engines that can run on ammonia will be available for purchase. Wärtsilä is leading the way in this area, having unveiled the first 4-stroke ammonia engine for the market in November 2023. Shanghai-Long Beach Green Shipping Corridor has an execution plan framework for the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Shanghai in cooperation with significant shipping lines and cargo owners globally. Across one of the busiest container transportation paths in the world, this strategic plan seeks to cut significant number of emissions. The Portugal-Brazil Shipping Corridor highlights green hydrogen as the preferred alternative fuel. When a ship calls at any port along the route, this corridor will give access to green energy and fuel.
Pakistan stands to benefit greatly from the creation of green maritime routes due to its advantageous position and lengthy beachfront along the Arabian Sea. Two of the major ports in the area are the Ports of Karachi and Qasim, which are essential entry points for global trade. By converting these terminals into green shipping hubs, Pakistan might improve its status in the international maritime industry and demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development. Adopting green shipping routes might establish Pakistan as a pioneer in environmentally friendly marine operations throughout South Asia. This shift may encourage funding for environmentally friendly infrastructure and technology, boosting the economy and generating jobs. Furthermore, it might increase Pakistani ports’ competitiveness and attract international shipping firms looking to reduce their environmental footprint.Pakistan is a sugar cane producing country and the byproduct molasses of the sector can be fermented to make renewable biofuel like methanol/ethanol. Green transition can increase the prospects of this proposal and earn foreign exchange for Pakistan.
Pakistan can safeguard its marine ecosystems and greatly enhance air quality by lowering emissions from maritime activity. Improved shipping methods would support larger environmental conservation initiatives by reducing the harmful impacts of pollution on human health and marine life. The developments would also contribute to achieving SDGs like SDG-3 i.e. Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG-7i.e. Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG-8 i.e. Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG-13 Climate Action, SDG-14 i.e. Life below Water, SDG-15 i.e. Life on Land and others.
However, to establish a green shipping corridor, Pakistan would significantly require its current infrastructure to upgrade with newest green technologies with enough financial resources. Secondly, Pakistan would require establishment and implementation of robust regulatory policies and frameworks to incentivize green shipping methods as per IMO. Mechanisms such as public-private partnerships would play a significant role in shaping the port operations, promoting green shipping activities.
Green shipping corridors provide Pakistan a revolutionary chance to set the standard for environmentally friendly marine operations. Pakistan can lead the way towards zero emissions of greenhouse gases in the maritime industry by tackling the obstacles and seizing the opportunities, supporting international efforts to tackle climate change while also benefiting the economy and the environment.
The author is a researcher at National institute of Maritime Affairs, Karachi.
