Short Wave Can Global Shipping Go Zero Carbon?
Nov 11, 2019
Rebecca Hersher, a climate reporter focusing on pollution-heavy industries, dives into the shipping sector's carbon emissions challenge. She explains why ships rank as major polluters and discusses Maersk's goal for zero carbon by 2050. The conversation covers the dirty fuels ships currently use and explores alternatives like liquefied natural gas and hydrogen. Hersher also highlights the significance of the first hydrogen-powered ferry in the U.S. and the hurdles involved in transitioning to greener shipping practices.
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Shipping Pollution
- Ships carry 90% of goods purchased in the U.S., making them the sixth-largest polluter globally if considered a country.
- The shipping industry acknowledges its pollution problem and seeks change, with Maersk aiming for zero-carbon emissions by 2050.
Cargo Ship Visit
- Becky Herscher visited a cargo ship and described the engine room's overwhelming smell of heavy fuel oil.
- The chief engineer collects the thick, oily residue in 55-gallon drums called "slop."
Fuel Options
- Heavy fuel oil is cheap and energy-dense but dirty; liquefied natural gas and hydrogen are cleaner alternatives.
- Hydrogen fuel cell technology, while decades old, offers a safe, zero-emission option for ships.