The country’s blue economy faces important challenges so that the energy transition can be converted into opportunities.
With the constant changes and demands that arise on the global scene, the energy transition is an increasingly present topic in the Blue Economy. This is because it directly impacts the entire segment, requiring changes to ships and ports, as well as being able to directly impact the sea freight cost.
In Brazil the situation is no different. With a large share of the Asian market, a large part of Brazilian exports occurs by sea. Markets such as Europe and North America are also significant destinations.
The energy transition, in fact, is not an issue that only affects Brazil. After all, most countries remain committed to promoting the necessary changes to reduce the emission of gases that are harmful to the environment.
In the maritime sector, the energy transition is a topic closely monitored by the International Maritime Organization – IMO
In the Blue Economy the Energy Transition is more complex due to the difficulty of working with electricity. However, just like the airline sector, the maritime sector is working to find ways to adopt sustainable fuels. Green Diesel is an example of initiatives that companies, authorities and academia are working together to develop, that can allow the Blue Economy to continue to thrive and be competitive.
What is the importance and consequences of IMO decisions?
Countries need to closely monitor IMO negotiations on issues related to Global Maritime Transport.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is one of the member agencies of the United Nations (UN). Its resolutions imply decisions that are complied with by all countries that are part of the IMO. In this way, it has a direct connection with subjects that involve different themes related to the Blue Economy.
Among them, environmental issues emerge with great prominence. Ballast water, pollution and sustainability for oceans and ships are some examples of issues treated as a priority by the organization.
In accordance with the Paris Agreement the countries that are part of the IMO agreed to work towards the decarbonisation of the sector by 2050, and the sector will need to meet some intermediate targets, with a 40% reduction by 2030 and reaching 70% to 80% by 2040.
If these milestones are not met, the IMO may tax the owners of ships that do not fall within the established parameters. This measure will directly impact freight prices.
Because of this, it is necessary to act now to achieve these objectives. Otherwise, different sectors related to maritime transport could lose competitiveness with the applied rates.
Examples include agribusiness and iron ore. In an increasingly competitive market, new charges can represent a loss of space on the international scene and, of course, significant losses.
With the increase in freight prices, Brazilian foreign trade could suffer a major impact with significant losses affecting the entire national economy.
Because of this, Brazil needs to closely monitor all the negotiations being discussed at IMO, as well as bringing together companies, public authorities and academic institutions both to adapt to the new scenario and to find opportunities.
This, in fact, demonstrates the relevance of the Naval Technological Cluster for the development of the Maritime Economy in the country, promoting the union of everyone and seeking viable solutions for the sector.
For this purpose, the Naval Technological Cluster participates in the coordination of the International Seminar “Energy Transition at Sea: Challenges and Opportunities” which will be held on April 29th and 30th, in the auditoriums of the BNDES and FGV headquarters, in Rio de Janeiro, respectively. .
The Seminar will be attended by the IMO Secretary General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, representatives of the Federal, State and Municipal Government.
Source : Estadão – Blue Studio
