Main directions of decarbonization in maritime sector discussed at COP29

A discussion titled "Journey to the Future: Decarbonization in the Maritime Sector for a Sustainable Tomorrow" was held at COP29 in Baku.

According to Report, the discussions, organized by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), brought together leaders of major shipping and port companies, classification societies, and leading experts from the international maritime sector.

During the event, Ezekiel Davis, Vice President of Business Development at the European Division of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), emphasized that decarbonization measures in the shipping industry include fundamental changes. He said the key to shipping decarbonization lies in three main elements - awareness, collaboration, and the human factor.

Davis noted that while challenges are significant, these elements show the right direction.

"Together with partners like ASCO, we are contributing to the transformation of our industry," he said.

ASCO Chairman Rauf Valiyev, in his opening remarks, emphasized the historical significance of hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan, one of the world's largest events. He also discussed ASCO's actions and strategic goals regarding decarbonization. According to him, ASCO has achieved a 20% reduction in emissions compared to 2012, meeting the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2030 target ahead of schedule: "This success was achieved through investments in new vessels, modernization of existing ones, decommissioning of old vessels, and improving energy efficiency. Our goal is to achieve zero emissions by 2050 in line with IMO objectives. For this, we are actively developing sustainable solutions and exploring strategies to reduce carbon emissions."

The CEO of CJSC Baku International Sea Trade Port Taleh Ziyadov emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable decarbonization.

"We are actively working with all our partners, including ASCO, towards green shipping and believe that through joint efforts we will achieve zero emissions," he noted.

ASCO's Director of Sustainable Development and Emissions Management Alakbar Azizli held a presentation on the company's emission reduction strategy, featuring an action plan to achieve zero emissions by 2050.

The founder and chairman of Capital Maritime and Trading Corp, Evangelos Marinakis, shared his company's experience in transitioning to green energy, implementing dual-fuel technologies, and other innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency.

The CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics, part of DP World Group, Narayana Prasad Naramanchi Venkata Lakshmi, presented a report on "Decarbonization Strategies: Eliminating Emissions in Scopes 1, 2, and 3." He provided examples of approaches and practices used in international shipping, including those in his company.

QTAGG Commercial Director Per Österberg presented a report on "New Decarbonization Technologies: EcoPilot." He discussed the installation of the EcoPilot system on ASCO vessels, calling it an important step in transitioning to innovative and green technologies.

It should be noted that the EcoPilot system plays an important role in reducing fuel consumption and minimizing carbon emissions. By optimizing trajectory, speed, and engine operation, the system ensures environmentally efficient shipping.