Decarbonising the global shipping industry
Shipping is powered almost entirely by fossil fuels, with the industry accounting for 2–3% of global CO2 emissions, a figure that could rise to 17% by 2050 if left unregulated. However, recent advancements in zero-carbon shipping fuels and zero-emissions technologies means decarbonising the industry by 2050 is now a realistic goal.
C40 works with cities and their ports to advance decarbonisation of the global shipping industry by establishing green shipping corridors on some of the world’s busiest shipping routes. A green shipping corridor is a shipping route on which zero-carbon emissions ships and other emissions reduction programmes are deployed, and emissions reductions are measured and enabled through public and private actions and policies.
Green shipping corridors enable cities and ports to turn climate ambitions into action by:
- Creating special economic zones at sea to support an enabling ecosystem for the uptake of new technologies, clean fuels, and innovative business models.
- Building on existing C40 models that have proven successful, such as the Zero Emission Areas Programme.
- Addressing broader environmental impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously improving air quality.
- Incentivising cities and ports to collaborate and develop meaningful public-private sector partnerships with the shipping industry.
Learn about existing green shipping corridors established by C40 cities and maritime industry partners:
