In the bustling port city of Busan, Republic of Korea, a maritime researcher has shed light on a critical aspect of the shipping industry’s transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Hyun-Wook Doo, a lead author affiliated with the Korea Institute of Maritime & Fisheries Technology, has published a study in the Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping (formerly known as Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping). The study, titled “A study on the challenges and solutions for a Just net zero transition in the shipping industry – Focusing on human factors,” delves into the often-overlooked human element of this monumental shift.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a clear goal: net-zero GHG emissions for the international shipping industry. However, as Doo points out, “the success of this transition hinges not only on technological innovation and regulatory frameworks but, more critically, on the strategic Just Transition of seafarers.” This ‘Just Transition’ refers to the fair and inclusive shift of workers and communities to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Doo’s research highlights several key challenges and opportunities. For instance, the current International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) may not be equipped to handle the diversity of alternative fuels that are emerging as viable options for the industry. “A comprehensive revision of the STCW Convention is necessary to accommodate the diversity of alternative fuels,” Doo asserts.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for continuous cooperation between the IMO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to facilitate seafarers’ professional development. This could open up new opportunities for maritime training institutions and create a more skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of a net-zero future.
From a commercial perspective, the transition to net-zero GHG emissions presents both challenges and opportunities. Shipping companies will need to invest in new technologies and retrain their crews, which could lead to short-term costs. However, these investments could pay off in the long run, as the industry moves towards a more sustainable and potentially more profitable future.
Ports and shipyards may also see opportunities in this transition. As ships are retrofitted or built to meet new environmental standards, demand for these services could increase. Additionally, the development and distribution of alternative fuels could create new business opportunities.
In conclusion, Doo’s study serves as a timely reminder that the transition to net-zero GHG emissions in the shipping industry is not just about technology and regulations. It’s also about people. By ensuring a Just Transition for seafarers, the industry can not only meet its environmental goals but also create a more skilled, resilient, and equitable workforce. As the maritime industry navigates these uncharted waters, the insights from Doo’s research could prove invaluable.