LA and Shanghai ports in green shipping corridor partnership

In a partnership with the C40 Cities network the two ports along with other maritime partners aim to develop a “Green Shipping Corridor Implementation Plan” by the end of 2022.

The plan aims for the phasing in of low and ultra-low carbon-fuelled ships with the world’s first zero carbon transpacific container ships introduced by 2030.

The green shipping corridor would link the world’s largest container port in Shanghai with the biggest US gateway port on one of the busiest global container shipping routes.

Gene Seroka, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles commented: “International collaboration is essential to decarbonise global supply chains. We look forward to partnering with the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, the Shanghai International Port Group, leading shipping lines and major cargo owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime supply chain. It’s time to get started on this important work.”

Environmental groups welcomed the announcement of the Green Corridor although noted the worded allowed for the continued use of fossil-fuelled vessels, including LNG.

Dawny'all Heydari, Ship It Zero Campaign Lead at Pacific Environment, said: “With our port neighbors and oceans dying now, we need urgent action to end ship pollution in 2022 — and a 100% zero-emissions international shipping future this decade. 

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“In addition, inclusion of the term ‘low carbon’ in this announcement is concerning: We call on leaders involved in this corridor and all ocean shippers to reject LNG and interim fuels and rapidly invest only in 100% zero-emissions solution from well-to-wake." 

The Green Corridor was initiated by the City of Shanghai, the City of Los Angeles, the Port of Shanghai - through the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission -, the Port of Los Angeles and C40 Cities.

 Participating partners include AP Moller – Maersk, CMA CGM, Shanghai International Ports Group (SIPG), Cosco Shipping Lines, the Aspen Institute’s Shipping Decarbonisation Initiative, facilitators of Cargo Owners for Zero Emission Vessels (coZEV) and the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre – Asia.