With shipping industry emissions in the spotlight, leading container shipping company CMA CGM has joined the UN’s global corporate sustainability initiative
This announcement came at the same time as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP 25, began in Madrid on 2 December 2019.
The UN Global Compact is a non-binding United Nations pact that encourages businesses to adopt and report on their sustainability policies.
CMA CGM pledged to adhere to both the Business Action Platform for the Ocean and the Sustainable Ocean Principles. The Action Platform is a technical network about marine issues, and the Sustainable principles are nine principles for preserving the ocean. Both fold in under UN’s sustainable development goals framework.
In a statement, CMA CGM said it would continue its work in creating a sustainable network for shipping, referring to its existing work and goals for the future.
The group said it will operate 20 LNG-powered vessels by the end of 2022 and confirmed it will not use the contentious Northern Sea Routes in order to avoid endangering the delicate ecosystem of the Arctic.
Regarding fuel and energy consumption, CMA CGM said optimising bow shapes for better hydrodynamic efficiency and innovations on propellers and engines would help to reduce fuel and oil consumption.
In March 2019, CMA CGM vessel White Shark was refuelled with sustainable biofuel. In late November 2019, CMA CGM, along with IKEA’s transport and logistics division, completed a biofuel test on two ocean-going vessels.
CMA CGM is an active member of environmental programmes including Charte Bleue, World Port Climate Initiative, Green Flag Initiative and Clean Cargo Working Group.
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