Clear to proceed - green shipping corridors in the Nordic Region
“Separate routes for emission-free ferries and ships are an important step towards decarbonising shipping in the Nordic Region. There is currently a significant volume of marine traffic between the Nordic countries. Together we have the resources and technology to really lead the way with a project that can showcase the potential for green shipping to the whole world,” says Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Espen Barth Eide.
Together we have the resources and technology to really lead the way with a project that can showcase the potential for green shipping to the whole world
The Nordic environment ministers met in Oslo where they discussed key issues for the international climate and environment agenda. The agreement to create Nordic green corridors for emission-free shipping follows on from the Clydebank Declaration from the 2021 climate summit in Glasgow. The countries that have signed the Clydebank Declaration want at least six international green shipping corridors to be created by the middle of this century. The Nordic ministers want emission-free shipping routes in the Nordic Region to be included in these.
The ministers have therefore approved a pilot project that can identify partners for green corridors within the Nordic shipping industry. This includes mapping specific intra-Nordic shipping routes for emission-free shipping. The work will be led by DNV, and the project has been granted DKK 1 million.
The reduction in emissions from international shipping is absolutely crucial. “Today, shipping accounts for around three percent of international emissions with significant increases on the horizon. The Nordic countries pioneering efforts that are also in line with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision to be the world’s most sustainable region and promote the green transition and CO2 neutrality,” says the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Paula Lehtomäki.
There is huge potential to reduce emissions from international shipping. Calculations show that emissions from shipping will increase in the future if no measures are taken to reduce them. Nordic waters are home to some of the world’s busiest ferry routes, and conditions are well suited for pilot projects within emission-free shipping.
Information
The Nordic Council of Ministers is working on the green transition in shipping in several areas. In addition to the green corridors for emission-free shipping between ports in the Nordic Region, efforts are also underway to reduce pollution from cruise ships and to make the Nordic Region a sustainable cruise destination.
In 2020, the ministers signed the declaration “Cleaner Cruises through More Shore Power: Nordic Leadership in Making the Nordic and Greater Baltic Sea Area Sustainable Cruise Destinations”.
