5% zero carbon marine fuel mix target by 2030 advocated by India

05 Jul 2023 CW Team

Sukumaran highlighted that imposing impractical goals could lead to detrimental consequences, including flawed policies, rushed and unsustainable investments by the industry, and the implementation of immature technological solutions. Given India's classification as extremely vulnerable in the climate change vulnerability index, the country submitted an MEPC document outlining a phased and progressive reduction strategy that aims to be feasible, achievable, and inclusive, leaving no stakeholders behind.

While expressing support for the proposal of a financial levy on greenhouse gas emissions, India underscored that such measures should not be aimed at penalising the industry, but rather encouraging the adoption of green energy alternatives. Sukumaran stated that economic proposals should explore avenues to generate adequate funds not only for research and development in the maritime sector but also for the production of alternative fuels and the development of infrastructure for their global supply networks in ports.

Furthermore, the Indian delegate cautioned that relying solely on economic measures, or a combination of various measures, may not be sufficient to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement without considering the availability of affordable future fuels, cost-effective engines running on those fuels, and a trained workforce capable of operating them. Achieving sustainability in the maritime industry requires a holistic approach that addresses both economic and operational aspects.

India has proposed a pragmatic approach to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), urging a realistic target of achieving a 5% share of net-zero carbon fuels in the marine fuel mix by 2030. During the 80th session of the Maritime Environmental Protection Committee in London, Indian delegate Ajithkumar Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor-Cum-Additional DG of the Ministry of Shipping, emphasised the need to avoid setting unrealistic targets and instead focus on ensuring a smooth and inclusive transition.Sukumaran highlighted that imposing impractical goals could lead to detrimental consequences, including flawed policies, rushed and unsustainable investments by the industry, and the implementation of immature technological solutions. Given India's classification as extremely vulnerable in the climate change vulnerability index, the country submitted an MEPC document outlining a phased and progressive reduction strategy that aims to be feasible, achievable, and inclusive, leaving no stakeholders behind.While expressing support for the proposal of a financial levy on greenhouse gas emissions, India underscored that such measures should not be aimed at penalising the industry, but rather encouraging the adoption of green energy alternatives. Sukumaran stated that economic proposals should explore avenues to generate adequate funds not only for research and development in the maritime sector but also for the production of alternative fuels and the development of infrastructure for their global supply networks in ports.Furthermore, the Indian delegate cautioned that relying solely on economic measures, or a combination of various measures, may not be sufficient to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement without considering the availability of affordable future fuels, cost-effective engines running on those fuels, and a trained workforce capable of operating them. Achieving sustainability in the maritime industry requires a holistic approach that addresses both economic and operational aspects.