Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), one of the oldest Antwerp shipowners, has announced its long-term CO2 reduction strategy, which includes offsetting all carbon emissions from its operations from 2020 and investing into new technologies to operate a zero-carbon fleet by 2050.

CMB has been supporting certified climate projects in developing countries and acquiring high quality Voluntary Carbon Units (VCU’s) in Zambia (agro-forestry, SALM, REDD+), Guatemala (REDD+) and India (wind and solar parks).

CMB plans to achieve zero carbon emissions from its shipping operations in 2050. Even though many low and zero carbon technologies are still in the early stages of their development – and today there are unfortunately no economically viable alternatives to diesel – CMB is convinced that the shipping industry will find solutions to provide zero carbon shipping by 2050.

As long as CMB’s fleet is not powered by 100 per cent zero-carbon fuels, CMB will offset its remaining CO2 emissions.

CMB is already investing heavily in the development of low and zero carbon ships and engines, and

fully supports the many different industry initiatives that want to join forces to develop the

technologies needed to reduce shipping’s carbon footprint.

“As we will bring concrete zero-carbon projects to life in the coming months and years, we will continue to actively engage and cooperate with other shipping companies, our customers, our suppliers, our banks and national and international politicians to achieve zero carbon shipping,” stated CMB in a press release.