Global Health and Global Shipping

The world is enjoying industrialisation and suffering pollution at the same time. Anywhere there is contamination of land, water, food, and air causing illnesses and deaths among people, plants, and animals.

Reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is one of the main challenges confronting the international shipping industry. Governments, organisations, and individuals are thinking of ways to address the worldwide problem of air pollution. Although the shipping industry is already very efficient and environment-friendly, as compared with other modes of transport, it is continuously looking for ways to improve.

Concerned entities are still debating as to the agreeable level of CO2 reduction, which should be practical and feasible. They are also discussing about the potential solutions for the financial well-being and environmental image of the industry. The European Commission is especially active in realising this milestone on a global scale. It has expressed preference to see worldwide International Maritime Organization (IMO) response, rather than an outbreak of regional initiatives. Nevertheless, with the absence of viable solution by 2009, the European Commission said it will be compelled to create regional controls to achieve 20 percent CO2 reduction in Europe by 2020.

One of the possible methods of reducing CO2 is through the improvement of the hull, engine, and propeller design of the ships to further cut fuel consumption. Another is through better utilisation of waste heat. Still another way is the use of alternative power or fuel. Players of the shipping industry are examining the viability of renewable energy sources and even nuclear propulsion.

The shipping community is concerned about its impact to worldwide health condition, among other things. Currently, owners, shipbuilders, and societies are extensively looking for ways to find viable solutions.