Americas News
Shipping Industry Wants More Green Options
The allure of green, environmentally-friendly energy is strong, but many in the industry are still hesitating at the lack of financial incentives and options, according to a recent survey by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) together with U.S.-based pump company Colfax Fluid Handling.
The results found that nearly nine in 10 agreed with an industry shift towards the "green agenda," though just under half said that such a shift had good value for money.
"The survey results are really interesting and clearly highlight that the industry as a whole could use a best-practice guide or a set of options that are clearly available" said John Barnes of the IMarEST.
"There are a number of initiatives available to shipping companies, but it is difficult to work out which solutions work, and for whom, when there are so many out there."
Three quarters of those surveyed also said that they believed green energy could be a success factor in businesses, but that there needed to be more green options for companies to invest in.
One respondent predicted that companies are likely not to budge on green technologies without being forced to or with an attractive financial incentive.
"Suppliers to the shipping industry have a responsibility to listen to industry leaders, hear what they have to say and then respond to their needs," said Ben Martin, director of global marketing at Colfax.
"Our goal is to support the global commercial marine industry and help its leaders secure the best return from investing in green initiatives."
The survey is based on 200 responses.
IMarEST and Colfax will hold a roundtable discussion on improving the industry's shift to green energy that will take place late October.
Elsewhere, the green agenda has also seen industry players move towards liquefied natural gas as an alternative to heavy fuel oil.
