New Global Industry Alliance Established to Support Low Carbon Future for Shipping

IMO says 13 companies have signed up to launch a GIA to support low carbon shipping. Image Credit: IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) today announced that 13 companies have signed up to launch a new Global Industry Alliance (GIA) to support the transition of shipping and its related industries towards a low carbon future.

The GIA has been launched under the Global Maritime Energy Efficiency Partnerships (GloMEEP) project, which is aimed at supporting developing countries in implementing energy efficiency measures for shipping.

"What we are witnessing today is the formal start of a tried and tested partnership concept which has the potential to boost still further our efforts to kick-start the change that society demands and create a firm, tangible basis to transform the shipping sector for the better," said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.

"Under this new public-private partnership initiative, these 'industry champions', which come from different sectors of the industry and may have different business strategies within the same sector, are coming together to contribute to tackling the challenges of decarbonizing the shipping sector."

The member companies of the GIA, which include shipowners and operators, classification societies, engine and technology builders and suppliers, big data providers, and oil companies, will support the overall goals of the alliance by providing their expertise and know-how in bunker efficiency, as well as contributing financially towards the GIA Fund from which GIA activities will be funded.

"Together, the GIA partners will collectively identify and develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures," explained IMO.