Introduction to MARPOL ANNEX VI; Advancements in Green Shipping Technologies and Way Forward for PAKISTAN

Maritime transport plays an essential role in the global economy. While it is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, it is also a large and growing source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2022, international shipping alone accounted for nearly 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (IEA, 2023). Despite being one of the most efficient freight options, maritime transportation emitted 1,076 Mt of GHG emissions in 2018, of which 1,056 Mt were CO2 emissions. This is due to the shipping industry being more heavily fossilized than other industries, as oil contributed more than 99% of total
energy demands historically (Deng & Mi, 2023). The shipping industry aims to align with a 1.5 degrees Celsius trajectory in accordance with the Paris Agreement and this requires that zero-emission fuels make up 5% of international shipping fuels by 2030 (UNCTAD, 2022).

The phrase “green shipping” is often used as a blanket term to refer to the transition shipping businesses are making towards environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. Green shipping is specifically concerned with the reduction in exploitation of natural resources and energy during transport through seas, in order to preserve the global environment from GHGs and environmental pollutants generated by ships (Lee & Nam, 2017).The term green shipping encompasses a range of strategies and technologies, which all share the common goals of:

(1) Reducing carbon emissions.

(2) Minimising air and water pollution.

(3) Promoting ecological balance.

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