Environmental Defense Fund partners with Mærsk on zero-carbon shipping research
A leading climate justice NGO is partnering with major shipping companies to reach global decarbonization goals.
By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent
COPENHAGEN/NEW YORK — The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced a brand new partnership with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping as a “knowledge partner.”
EDF is a US-based environmental nonprofit organization that advocates and researches public policy solutions to counter the risks of climate change and support environmental justice efforts globally.
Now that EDF has joined with the Mærsk-led industry think tank to develop zero-carbon shipping solutions for the entire industry.
“Environmental Defense Fund brings more than 50 years of experience and pioneering work for a safer and healthier environment,” said Bo Cerup-Simonsen, the chief executive officer for the center, in a joint press statement.
“With deep involvement and insights across sectors, EDF will add a broad societal perspective which will be of [the] essence in the development of a sustainable transition strategy for the maritime industry,” adds Cerup-Simonsen. “We look very much forward to the collaboration!”
Kelley Kizzier, the vice president for global climate at the Environmental Defense Fund, added in the joint press release that this partnership would lead the way to “a sustainable, zero-carbon and competitive shipping sector.”
“The Center is well placed to support robust policy pathways towards decarbonization and drive the deployment of zero-emissions vessels,” Kizzier said.
According to the center, the development of an industry transition strategy is crucial for mapping the strategic pathway to zero-carbon shipping goals by the year 2050. To meet long-term targets, the collaboration will include advocacy and research activities on the sustainability assessment and life-cycle analysis to develop strategies to overcome potential constraints.
The philanthropy arm of Mærsk announced the creation of the Center for Zero Carbon Shipping in 2020. Currently, the program is backed with partnerships between Mærsk, the American Bureau of Shipping, Cargill, NORDEN, Alfa Laval, and other organizations.
