The Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition recently held a workshop in China to discuss pathways to zero-emission shipping by 2050.
The workshop, supported by the Shenzhen Ocean Development Bureau, the Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association, and Milky Way Marine Culture and Cruise Tourism, preceded the Coalition’s upcoming progress report on green shipping corridors.
Global Maritime Forum CEO Johannah Christensen said: “As the world’s largest shipowning nation and a frontrunner in zero-emission technologies, China is well-positioned to drive the green transition in shipping. The country currently has seven green corridors under development, with five new initiatives launched last year in regions including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shandong, and Tianjin, underscoring its growing commitment to a sustainable maritime future.”
The workshop gathered over 50 global maritime stakeholders, emphasising the importance of a collaborative approach to adopting zero-emission fuels. The workshop took place in the Greater Bay Area, a region that can play an increasingly important role in this transition as a major port and fuel infrastructure hub and provider of zero-emission technologies. The event highlighted the immense potential of the Chinese green corridor initiatives and other local and regional opportunities to position China as a global sustainability leader working to unlock shipping’s wider decarbonisation.
A central objective of the workshop was to underscore the urgency of early industry action. Discussions focused on the critical role China and other global stakeholders can play in accelerating the energy transition, highlighting the need for immediate steps that can set the foundation for long-term success. The event also previewed the upcoming third edition of the annual progress report on green shipping corridors, which will outline progress, challenges, and funding needs and pinpoint areas for urgent action.
Structured around the understanding of the transition to scalable zero-emission fuels, the workshop facilitated discussions on current transition phases, progress, and steps needed to achieve full maritime decarbonisation by 2050. While partially focusing on green corridors, participants also explored shipbuilding, technology advancements, scalable zero-emission fuels, and supportive policy frameworks. Participants exchanged recommendations to accelerate zero-emission shipping, aiming for zero emission vessels to operate along deep-sea trade routes by 2030 as a milestone toward 2050 goals.
Image: Global Maritime Forum CEO Johannah Christensen (source: Global Maritime Forum)
