Shipping is key to the global economy, with over 80 percent of world merchandise trade carried by sea[1], and this year’s World Maritime Day on September 29 highlights the importance of accelerating the transition of the maritime sector to a more sustainable future. This important day is spearheaded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for regulating shipping.

This year’s theme, ‘New technologies for greener shipping’, is linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 13 and 14 on climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources; SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; and SDG 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals. ABB has also targeted these SDGs, among others, and with its 2030 sustainability strategy, the company is actively enabling a low-carbon society as well as working with customers and suppliers to implement sustainable practices across value chains and the lifecycle of products and solutions.

New technologies to increase energy efficiency of ships, as well as the uptake of alternative fuels and systems to produce such fuels – especially those than can harness renewable energy – are key for decarbonizing the shipping industry. Innovative solutions utilizing digital technologies and artificial intelligence are no less important and help shipping companies make better decisions to improve operational efficiencies and cut emissions as a result.

Technologies to make ports greener and more efficient complement the transition of shipping into a greener future. Electrification, automation and remote solutions for container handling cranes help operators mitigate congestions and dwell time in ports, reducing emissions as well as lowering noise and light pollution.

Already today, shore connection systems enable fully electric operations for vessels traveling over shorter distances and help larger vessels reduce emissions during port calls. With ABB’s shore connection system, a cruise ship can cut its daily greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35 percent when the port call lasts eight hours.