Green Corridors - Optimize IAS (2024)

Green Corridors

Subject: Environment

Section: International convention

Context: If Green Corridors succeed, in 2030 zero-emission shipping will be a commercially viable option anywhere.

Green Corridors for Shipping:

• Green corridors for shipping involves the creation of shipping routes that are environmentally sustainable and optimized for low-carbon shipping.
• The idea behind green corridors is to facilitate the movement of goods and peoplewhile minimizing the environmental impact of shipping activities.
• Green corridors for shipping typically involve a range of measures, including the use of clean energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen, the optimization of shipping routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, the use of eco-friendly ship designs and technologies, and the adoption of sustainable shipping practices.
• The idea of Green Corridors took root in the public consciousness at COP26 in Glasgow, with the signing of the Clydebank Declaration by governments and the publication of the report The Next Wave: Green Corridors, which described the concept in detail.
• Since then several initiatives and projects are underway around the world to develop green corridors for shipping. These include the ‘Motorways of the Sea’ project in Europe, which aims to create a network of sustainable shipping routes, the ‘Green Corridor Joint Industry Project’ in Asia, which focuses on the development of low-emission shipping technologies and practices, and the ‘Zero Emission Vessels 2030’ project in Norway, which aims to develop and demonstrate zero-emission shipping technologies.

Importance of Green Corridors for Shipping

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The shipping industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2-3% of global emissions. Green corridors for shipping can help reduce these emissions by promoting the use of low-carbon shipping technologies, such as hybrid and electric vessels, and optimizing shipping routes to reduce fuel consumption.
• Improving air quality: Shipping activities can also have negative impacts on local air quality, particularly in port cities. Green corridors for shipping can help reduce these impacts by promoting the use of low-emission technologies, such as shore power, and encouraging the adoption of sustainable shipping practices.
• Supporting sustainable development: The development of green corridors for shipping can also support sustainable development goals by promoting the use of renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting sustainable transport systems.
• Meeting climate targets: The development of green corridors for shipping is also essential for meeting global climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Green Corridors at COP27

• Among other discussions, the 24 governments that have signed the Clydebank Declaration are marking its one-year anniversary by taking stock of progress so far, in part by discussing the Annual Progress Report on Green Shipping Corridors that the Global Maritime Forum and Getting to Zero Coalition are publishing.
• The Zero-Emission Shipping Mission have also launched a Green Corridors Hub, with a set of useful tools for governments and companies who are interested in the topic. One of the most interesting is public-domain data set and evaluation method developed by University Maritime Advisory Services for the Getting to Zero Coalition. It’s introducing a new approach to deciding which routes are best suited to become Green Corridors.

Clydebank Declaration:

• The Clydebank Declaration aims to set up green shipping corridors, which are zero-emission maritime routes between 2 (or more) ports.
• Launched at COP26 by UK.
• As part of the declaration, the signatory countries will support the establishment of at least six green shipping corridors by 2050.
• India has not signed the declaration yet.
• In the pursuit of these goals signatories have pledged to:
  • facilitate the establishment of partnerships, with participation from ports, operators and others along the value chain, to accelerate the decarbonization of the shipping sector and its fuel supply through green shipping corridor projects;
  • identify and explore actions to address barriers to the formation of green corridors. This could cover, for example, regulatory frameworks, incentives, information sharing or infrastructure;
  • consider the inclusion of provisions for green corridors in the development or review of National Action Plans;
  • work to ensure that wider consideration is taken for environmental impacts and sustainability when pursuing green shipping corridors.