UN Global Compact in Brazil launches Ocean Business WG to boost the decarbonization of ports and maritime transport

The UN Global Compact in Brazil launched this Wednesday (07/26), at Casa Firjan, in Rio de Janeiro, the Ocean Business Working Group, the first corporate hub in the country with the objective of boosting the energy transition of the ports and maritime transport, with the support of Porto do Açu.

The objective of the initiative is to map national and international scenarios on energy transition and decarbonization of the maritime and port sectors and address opportunities and challenges for Brazil. The work is part of the agenda of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition, conducted by the Global Compact ocean team, based in Norway, and will be managed by Rede Brasil. The group is already born with more than 30 companies registered to participate.

The pre-survey carried out by the UN Global Compact in Brazil to start the WG points out that none of the ports in the country, among those evaluated, have a structure ready for alternative fuels. Only two are building these structures, with the aim of receiving vessels powered by biomethane, ammonia, biogas and green hydrogen. The same survey points out that 91% of the evaluated ports do not have incentive campaigns to reduce emissions generated by maritime transport and about 67% do not have targets related to energy efficiency and decarbonization.

“Maritime transport and port operations are critical in the journey towards zero carbon. Our country has a natural vocation to be a leader in this new economy. But we need to have a proactive attitude to turn this comparative advantage into a competitive advantage. Brazil needs to accelerate decarbonization in this sector. Within the Global Compact, we have created sectoral actions, with great results, and we are doing it again with the Ocean Business Working Group, the first of its kind ever created. We hope that companies from different sectors, which depend on maritime transport and ports, will also be with us, in addition to government entities. This union is decisive for the result that all people expect, which is to actually fight climate change”, says Carlo Pereira, CEO of the UN Global Compact in Brazil.

As a strategy of the Platform for Action for Water and the Climate Platform, of the UN Global Compact, the work of the WG will be concentrated with the companies participating in the Brazilian network of the initiative. Currently, in the world, the shipping sector accounts for about 80% of global trade volume and is responsible for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions.

Member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently agreed to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with total emissions reductions of 20% to 30% by 2030 and between 70% and 80% by 2040.

“Ports play an important role in achieving global decarbonization targets, providing the necessary infrastructure for the production and storage of alternative fuels, as well as for supplying the maritime fleet. Our vision is that the Port of Açu can contribute directly to the energy transition, especially considering Brazil’s potential to take the lead in this process. And this future can only be built through integration between the various players, which highlights the relevance of this work group for our country” highlights José Firmo, CEO of Porto do Açu Operations.

The WG intends to create business cases on energy transition in Brazilian seas. Members are not only from companies in the maritime sector, but from any companies that participate in the UN Global Compact in Brazil and that benefit or can benefit from it. The Working Group must include companies from the oil and gas sector, mining, large agricultural exporters, logistics companies, ports, among others.

Source: Guia Marítimo

To read the full original text, visit: https://www.guiamaritimo.com.br/noticias/maritimo/pacto-global-da-onu-no-brasil-lanca-gt-de-negocios-oceanicos-para-impulsionar-a-descarbonizacao-de-portos-e-transportes-maritimos

Sharing is caring!