Environment
Addressing environmental issues
Globalization and environmental issues are high on today's agenda. As the world battles an economic downturn, these matters become even more important, especially when it comes to climate change issues. Shipping accounts for approximately 90% of all transportation of consumer and industrial products.
Shipping is by far the most environmentally friendly method of transporting goods around the world. However, the shipping industry accounts for 2.7% of global CO2 emissions, and this number is expected to increase. As a result of shipping's large share of global transport, it has a substantial responsibility to contribute to the protection of the environment by instituting targeted measures to reduce its environmental footprint.
Discharge of ballast water, waste handling, emissions from burning fossil fuels, cargo spillage and the release of substances from bottom paint are all issues that have adverse effects on nature and local ecosystems. Emissions to air of harmful greenhouse gases, such as CO2, are considered the main cause of global warming. This has become one of the key issues, as far as environmental concerns go. With the direct link between burning fuel and emission to air, shipping companies have a mutual benefit in reducing fuel consumption, conserving the environment and saving fuel costs, all at the same time.