LA, Shanghai partner to reduce shipping emissions

The Port of Los Angeles announced a partnership with Shanghai Friday aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions during shipments between the largest ports in the U.S. and China.

By the end of 2022, the ports aim to develop a “Green Shipping Corridor Implementation Plan” with goals to decarbonize the movement of goods between the ports. The plan will include deliverables, milestones and defined roles.

“International collaboration is essential to decarbonize global supply chains. We look forward to partnering with the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, the Shanghai International Port Group, leading shipping lines and major cargo owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime supply chain. It’s time to get started on this important work,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

The Port of Los Angeles said the plan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the 2020s and to begin the transition to zero-carbon ships by 2030.

“Accelerating efforts to decarbonize the shipping sector is urgent if we are to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees. By convening international coalitions of the willing and creating a scaleable and replicable model for other cities to follow, we hope this groundbreaking green shipping corridor initiative will catalyze action on a global scale,” said C40 Cities Executive Director Mark Watts.

The “Green Shipping Corridor” partners include A.P. Moller — Maersk, CMA CGM, Shanghai International Ports Group, COSCO Shipping Lines, the Aspen Institute’s Shipping Decarbonization Initiative, facilitators of Cargo Owners for Zero Emission Vessels (coZEV), and the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre in Asia.