Amazon and other companies commit to use carbon-free fuels in shipments by 2040

Amazon.com Inc and IKEA are among commercial container shipping users who will switch to carbon-free marine fuels by 2040, in a new initiative aimed at accelerating decarbonization in the maritime sector.

With approximately 90% of global trade moved by sea, shipping accounts for nearly 3% of the planet’s CO2 emissions and the sector is under increasing scrutiny to get cleaner.

The initiative, developed by the non-profit organization Aspen Institute and which has nine signatories as Unilever and Michelin, sets a goal for businesses to only purchase zero-carbon, scalable fuel-powered shipping services by 2040.

“The time to act is now”, He stated Edgar white, director of net zero carbon at Amazon.

Elisabeth Munck of RosenschöldIKEA Group’s manager of sustainability and supply chain operations, said that working together is crucial to develop fuel solutions for maritime transport.

“The voice of cargo owners is important, as we are one of the stakeholders to enable industry transformation. We are not willing to automatically pay a premium for sustainability, but we are willing to collaborate and co-create the solutions and share the necessary investments.“, he pointed.

An increase in demand for retail products due to COVID-19 restrictions has led to record container shipping rates in recent months.

Michelle Grose, logistics manager of Unilever, said the shipments represent 15% of the group’s total greenhouse gas emissions footprint.

“By signaling our combined commitment to zero-emission shipping, we are confident that we will accelerate the transition at the pace and scale needed.“, he pointed.

Coalition environmental groups Ship It Zero They said that the announced commitments are “historical, but too weak”And urged the signatories to completely switch to zero-emission ships by 2030.

“If major retail brands really want to do their part on climate change, they must be on a course correction now, not 19 years from now.“, said Kendra Ulrich from the environmental group Stand.earth, a member of Ship It Zero, which calls on large shipping companies to achieve zero emissions by 2030.