World Ocean Day is on the 8th May and this year, they are launching a new multi-year action theme entitled Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. By growing the movement through transformative collaboration, they aim to not only create a healthy blue planet, but create a more sustainable and equitable society we live in.
We thought, we would share some of what the Maritime Shipping Companies are doing to be more sustainable in their work. This all stems from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set by the United Nations. Take a read of what companies and organisations are currently in line with the SDGS and making headways to being more sustainable and in turn saving the oceans.
What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
- No poverty
- Zero hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life below water
- Life on land
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Partnership for the goals
What are companies doing?
Sinay
Sinay have committed to respecting 5 of the 17 SDGs. These are SDG 6, 9, 11, 13 and 14. SDG 6 and 14 being the key ones to focus on for World Ocean day as this ensured that the human impact on aquatic life is minimal and that ocean pollution is reduced.
Maersk
Maersk have made significant efforts to align with the UN SDGS and have set targets of reducing their CO2 emissions and improving fuel efficiency with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. They aim to achieve this by investing in development of zero-emission vessels and exploring alternative fuels.
Cargill
Cargill have the aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity and promote responsible sourcing. These initiatives align with SDG 2 and 15.
Carnival Corporation
Carnival’s focus is on reducing emissions, increasing energy efficiency and improving waste management. In turn, these align with SDG 13 and 14 focusing on climate action and life below water.
Stena Lines
Stena Line have already invested in energy efficient vessels, and worked on emission reducing technologies, which meets the SDGs 7 and 13.
Norden
Norden have set clear goals to reduce their carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and invest in cleaner technologies. They are a company that are very open about their sustainability initiatives and regularly update on their progress and how they meet SDGs.
Find out more about SDGs on the UN website.
