CCS, COSCO team up to support maritime decarbonization

China Classification Society (CCS) and China COSCO Shipping Group have signed a framework agreement that will see the duo work together to tackle the issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the maritime sector.

Under the terms of the agreement signed last month, CCS and COSCO Shipping Group will pool resources to support China’s efforts in the fight against climate change.

As explained, the organisations will leverage China’s national “carbon peak, carbon neutral” development target, international efforts to reduce maritime transport emissions and the climate-neutral goals of the EU Green Deal to help guide research on energy consumption structure and the development of viable technological solutions.

Last September, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced bold plans to reduce the country’s emissions, committing China to strive for reaching “carbon peak” by 2030 and “carbon neutrality” by 2060.

Specifically, CCS and COSCO Shipping Group have now committed to working together to support the development of key core technologies, build an international cooperation platform, promote the establishment of industry standards and the formation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) proposal, and use their combined expertise and experience to aid carbon emission reduction strategies within the shipping industry.

“The signing of this agreement will further deepen the strategic cooperative relationship between CCS and China COSCO Shipping Group, creating new and important opportunities to help support the implementation of major national strategies and China’s goal of achieving the ‘3060 double carbon’ target,” Mo Jianhui, president of CCS said:

“A partnership working approach will enhance research efforts into key core technologies to support decarbonisation and carbon neutrality in the shipping industry, as well as helping us to promote the development of relevant standards and regulations.”

CCS has increased investment in research and development linked to shipping decarbonisation over recent years. Its work has led to the publication of numerous rules and guidelines covering areas such as the use of natural gas as fuel, LNG bunkering pontoons, the surveying of battery-powered ships, the evaluation and inspection of marine rigid wing surface sails, and the inspection of air lubrication drag reduction systems on ships.