University experts continue push for global shipping sustainability

Academics attended a Westminster event to showcase work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
Academics attended a Westminster event where they showcased work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
The University of Plymouth’s ongoing work to drive sustainability in the global shipping sector has been showcased during a parliamentary briefing in Westminster.
Professor Kevin Jones , Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and Lecturer in Maritime Economics Dr Stavros Karamperidis were among those to address an audience of Parliamentarians, industry experts and academics at Portcullis House.
They were there to discuss plans for the creation of a Green Shipping Corridor between the UK and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region via Singapore.
It is an initiative Dr Karamperidis, Head of the University’s Maritime Transport Research Group, has researched at length over recent years and he and colleagues in the Plymouth Business School recently completed a pilot study supported by the UK Government.
During the briefing, sponsored by the MP for South East Cornwall Anna Gelderd MP, Dr Karamperidis highlighted key findings and policy recommendations from the pilot study.
He told attendees how he believes developing a UK Singapore Green Shipping Corridor (UKSGSC) would accelerate maritime decarbonisation and enhance sustainable trade and economic prosperity within a low-carbon framework.
He also outlined some of the key challenges to making that a reality, and impressed on stakeholders the importance of working together to make progress.
Policy recommendations included enhancing investment in alternative bunkering and maritime multi-fuel storage facilities, to include supply for the Royal Navy.
Co-report author Mohamed Shaihan Lafir, CEO of the Pascal Maritime Group and a research associate at the University, reaffirmed the need for Government to drive the policy so funders are reassured their investment would be safeguarded.
The briefing’s attendees included Anna Gelderd and Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard, Honorary President of Maritime London Lord Mountevans, and Josef Knight, Area Head of Ocean Contract Management for A.P. Moller-Maersk UK and Ireland.

Singapore is already transitioning to become a multi-fuel bunkering hub to cater for the next generation of ultra-large dual-fuelled eco vessels.

But the UK has many challenges to overcome if it is to make the most of that and safeguard its maritime trade flow. This event was an important step in making the UK Singapore Green Shipping Corridor a reality, and it was great to gain consensus in the room that the Government needs to support the proposal to instil confidence in the maritime shipping industry.

Stavros KaramperidisDr Stavros Karamperidis
Associate Professor in Maritime Economics

World-leading research like this is key to making the region competitive, not just in academia, but across many different sectors.

I was thrilled to host the University of Plymouth’s Green Shipping Report launch and speak on the importance of making our infrastructure sustainable and fit for the future. Getting industry experts in one room is key to figuring out the next steps for this vital industry.
Anna Gelderd MP
MP for South East Cornwall
Dr Karamperidis aims to maintain the momentum behind the proposal by formulating a UKSGSC Network Committee, whose membership would include academics and industry representatives. He also plans to invite representation from the Department for Transport, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Department for Business and Trade.
Academics attended a Westminster event to showcase work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
Academics attended a Westminster event to showcase work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
Academics attended a Westminster event to showcase work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
Academics attended a Westminster event to showcase work to establish a green shipping corridor between the UK, Singapore and ASEAN region
 

Read more information linked to this article

Cargo ships entering one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore.

Maritime Transport Research Group

Clean Maritime

Clean Maritime

Shipping cargo container at sea

Maritime sustainability research

Providing evidence to support policy-making processes:

House of Parliament, Westminster
 

An enterprising environment driving sustainable prosperity, enabling our students and partners to achieve their full potential:

Plymouth Business School Students working in shared working space in Fitzroy Building, The Cube in the background.