Nations navigate toward greener seas: transforming shipping for a sustainable future

Green logistics means doing things in a way that's good for the environment when we move goods from one place to another. But when we talk about 'green shipping,' it's even more important because most of the stuff we buy and sell around the world travels on ships. These ships produce about 3% of the gases that harm the Earth's atmosphere. With so many ships using a lot of fuel every year, it's important to find ways to make shipping more eco-friendly. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has a plan to make sure ships don't harm the environment by 2050.

To make shipping 'green,' people around the world are working on different ideas. One project is called Green Voyage 2050, where countries like Norway and the IMO are teaming up. They want to create special routes for ships that are good for the environment. Another idea is the Clydebank Declaration, which is about making shipping routes more eco-friendly. People are also talking about using different kinds of fuel, like natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity. They're using big computers and smart technology to make sure ships use fuel in the best way possible. Ports, where ships come and go, are also getting smarter with technology.

Recently, at a big meeting called COP 28, people from all over the world talked about the need to make shipping more eco-friendly. But there's a difference of opinion between rich countries and not-so-rich countries. Countries that are still developing need cheap energy for things like helping poor people, building houses, and creating new places in cities. They often depend on fuel that's not good for the environment because it's cheaper. On the other hand, rich countries, which use a lot of fuel and create a lot of pollution, are expected to take the lead and help pay for the changes. Even with these challenges, some developing countries are making an effort. Singapore, a country known for its ports, has a plan for 2050. They're putting money aside to make shipping cleaner and have already started using energy-saving ideas like electric cranes and smart systems for managing ships.

India, another country with a lot of ports, is also doing its part. They see hydrogen as a fuel that could help ships and other things that need energy. They're encouraging businesses to make this 'green' hydrogen. India has made progress in using cleaner fuel for ships and is making sure that ports use electricity when ships are parked. They have rules in place to stop things that pollute the sea, and they're finding ways to recycle waste from ships. They're also creating green spaces around ports to make them nicer for the environment.

'Green shipping' is about making sure ships don't harm the Earth. People all over the world are working on ideas like special routes, cleaner fuels, and smart technology to achieve this. While there are challenges, countries like Singapore and India are taking steps to make shipping more eco-friendly. It's a team effort to protect our planet.