Maersk NZ’s MD Julian Bevis is picking maximising the use of the latest developments in environmentally sustainable shipping technology will be crucial to NZ improving its international competitiveness as concerns about greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow. He says as the food miles issue demonstrates so plainly, for countries dependent on exporting to far-flung markets, the most pressing environmental issues come from the increasingly close connections between climate concerns and trade policy. The bigger threat to NZ than actual climate change is the potential for concerns around climate change to be used as an excuse for the introduction of de facto protectionism.

Bevis notes last month the US Congress passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The first climate change Bill to pass either the Senate or the House, it includes a provision enabling the US to impose tariffs on goods produced in nations which do not commit to greenhouse gas reductions. In Europe, France in particular has repeatedly called for strict “carbon equalisation” measures with a similar effect. In such an environment reducing transport emissions for exporters will be crucial. Bevis says compared with other modes, sea transport is by far the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. He says Maersk is well placed to cope with this new regulatory threat as carrying out its business in an environmentally responsible fashion is a high priority.

Since 2007, more than 100 of the company’s vessels use super slow steaming and, thanks to collaboration with engine manufacturers, Maersk’s entire fleet is now capable of sailing at half speed, which yields considerable reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Reducing the speed of a ship substantially reduces the power required. Traditional policy set the minimum engine load at between 40 and 60%.

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