By
Alex Smith |
The Port of Seattle, City and Borough of Juneau, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and leading global cruise lines are to explore the feasibility of creating the world’s first cruise-led ‘green corridor’.
A green corridor is a maritime route where zero greenhouse gas emission solutions are demonstrated and supported. Green corridors are intended to drive collaboration across sectors and help to create the technological, economic, and regulatory feasibility needed for zero greenhouse gas-emission ships to succeed. In 2021, 24 countries, including the USA and Canada, signed the Clydebank Declaration and committing to the establishment of at least six green corridors by 2025.
“The Pacific Northwest is both an area of tremendous natural beauty, and an area of global leadership in advancing sustainable shipping,” said Robin Silvester, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We look forward to building on those efforts, in collaboration with our partners, customers, and local stakeholders, by exploring the feasibility of a first-of-its-kind “green corridor” to advance cleaner, greener shipping at the Port of Vancouver and through this region.”
Cruise lines and industry partners include Carnival Corporation and its Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard and Seabourn brands; Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and all three of its brands; Royal Caribbean Group and its three brands; and industry association Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The commitment is also supported by the Global Maritime Forum, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, and Washington Maritime Blue.
The First Mover Commitment was announced during the International Association of Ports and Harbors World Ports Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“These first movers are coming together around the need to address the most pressing issue of our time — climate change,” said Fred Felleman, commissioner of the Port of Seattle. “By exploring the development of a Green Corridor, we’re bringing resources and technological advancements to this region where commercially viable zero greenhouse gas emissions ships may sail that much sooner. We’re not naïve about the challenges ahead. But we recognise the urgency to act as we transition to an inclusive blue economy that works for the climate, commerce, and communities alike.”
While initially formed by cruise ports in the Pacific Northwest with input from the cruise industry, the initiative will include participation from all sectors of the maritime industry, including ferries and other regional ports.
“The cruise industry is committed to pursuing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “The First Mover Commitment in the Pacific Northwest is a demonstration of the collaboration and innovation needed between ports and the cruise industry to achieve our shared goals. We appreciate the opportunity to be one of the first partners in this initiative and welcome all sectors of the maritime industry to join this important effort.”