Carbon Emission and Reduction of Maritime Transportation

The maritime sector is the cornerstone of global trade and is considered a significant driver of economic development. Maritime transportation, constituting 90% of the transportation sector, is crucial for the functioning of the global economy.

While this vital importance persists, the fossil fuels necessary for ships to conduct their operations emerge as a significant factor contributing to carbon emissions and thereby impacting global warming. Additionally, harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are generated during the combustion of ship fuels, further exacerbating carbon emissions. In addition to emissions generated during vessel movement, port operations also contribute to other significant emissions created by the maritime sector.

The global maritime transportation sector has been making positive progress over the past decade, with the pace of this progress increasing day by day. The primary motivation for this progress is climate change. Ninety percent, or $14 trillion worth in value terms, of global trade volume is transported by sea. Maritime transportation, accounting for around 85% of global merchandise trade, consumes approximately 4 million barrels of fuel daily, equivalent to 4% of the total global oil production. International maritime transportation has a fuel usage rate of over 98% of crude oil. Cargo ships, responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions with 940 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually from fuel consumption, are held accountable for a significant portion of global greenhouse gases.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in line with the UN's goals, has set targets for maritime transportation. The goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels and reducing carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Subsequent goals have been updated to zero carbon emissions. In addition to setting these targets, IMO's regulations for sulfur, another emission-producing gas, such as the 2020 Global Sulfur Limit, are significant steps toward reducing ship sulfur emissions and protecting the environment. Similarly, IMO's "Strategic Action Plan" and other programs aimed at reducing CO2 emissions aim to make the sector more sustainable.

In terms of emission reduction, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) prepares necessary regulatory arrangements in harmony with the United Nations and outlines the maritime sector's net-zero targets. There are steps taken and steps that need to be taken for emission reduction in the sector.

1. Green port projects

   Green port projects are becoming increasingly important both in our country and worldwide. Not only port managements but also countries' bureaucracies support emission reduction processes with appropriate regulations.

2. Continuous electricity systems from the port

   Continuous electricity systems from the port will contribute to emission reduction by using port electricity instead of fossil fuels while the ship is connected to the port. It should be a requirement for this project to become widespread in all ports.

3. Improvement of fuel quality and combustion systems

   Improvement of fuel quality for reducing SOx emissions and improvement of combustion systems for reducing NOx emissions have gained momentum with MARPOL regulations.

4. Attention to be paid with MARPOL regulations and operational rules

   The list of things to be considered with MARPOL regulations and operational rules also supports emission reduction. Some noteworthy directives from the list are as follows:

   • Trim optimization
   • Propeller cleaning
   • Use of renewable energy
   • Propeller replacement
   • LNG fuel usage