It’s a once in a Generation Opportunity to reset and revitalize National Maritime Strategie

The Energy Transition at Sea is a once in a generation opportunity for shipping and governments around the world to revitalize national maritime strategies and build the infrastructure and assets we will need to achieve net zero.

That’s the view of ABS Chairman and Chief Executive Christopher J. Wiernicki who is highlighting how maritime decarbonization is a powerful driver for national maritime strategy, national security and job creation.

“Decarbonization is more than a story of CO₂ emissions per ton mile. It is a once in a generation opportunity to reset and revitalize national maritime strategies, rebuild port infrastructure, reinvigorate shipbuilding and create jobs. Decarbonization is emerging as a global maritime strategy shaper, offering the chance for a renewal of national maritime strategies, recognizing shipping as a cornerstone of national security,” said Wiernicki.

There are three stories, built around three pillars of vital importance for all countries at this moment of generational change. These stories are shipping for shipping, which is the decarbonization of our industry, and shipping for the world, highlighting shipping’s pivotal role as an enabler of the global green energy transition, specifically as a carrier of future fuels and liquid CO₂. Finally, crucially, there is shipping for national security, which focuses on the ship to port interface and the transformational potential of green shipping corridors and clean energy marine hubs.

“Shipping is unique in its ability to bridge the three pillars of national economic, climate and security strategies. As maritime decarbonization signals a new generation of national maritime strategies, countries are rethinking their economic, climate and security strategies, and shipping should be at the center of the discussion about how to balance these against the demands of the energy transition. We should focus on the need for stronger, more integrated national maritime strategies with a high degree of alignment between government and industry.”

He called for Government teams working on maritime strategy to fully leverage the industry’s insight, to devise practical and effective policy development. ABS is taking a leading role in bringing industry and governments around the globe together.

“Now is the moment for industry to engage with the Government agencies that are rapidly developing these strategies. And Government needs to fully leverage industry experience and insight, so that practical and effective policy and action is implemented to capitalize on the opportunity,” he said.