It seems that lately more and more industries are taking the initiative and going green. The shipping industry has recently taken on this initiative to become more environmentally safe and is looking into ways in which they can cut their carbon emissions like other industries. This sector is beginning to see the light just as other industries have and are now slowly beginning to change their outlook on the environment and discover ways in which they can go green. As we know, these ships travel very long distances daily to deliver what is needed to a desired destination. There are a select few large companies that are starting a trend in the industry and adapting their ships to be more environmentally friendly and reduce their carbon emissions.

One freight company that is improving their practices is the Maersk shipping line. They have set various targets in place to lower their carbon emissions and they plan to lower their emissions by 20% by 2017. This aim is in relation to all the containers that they transport and by implementing this target, they hope to become a more eco friendly brand. The company hopes that by implementing this change, they will lead by example and encourage other shipping companies to follow suit. Some ways in which they are reducing their carbon emissions and encouraging others to do the same is by the optimisation of their engines as well as renovating their vessels to be more eco friendly. They also are currently developing a very slow steaming system for all of their vessels.

When looking at reducing carbon emissions in shipping freights, the issue of biofuel is commonly highlighted. Some companies have already tested these fuels to see if they could be beneficial to their line but there hasn’t been much development recently. Biofuel is constructed from vegetable oils, animal fats and other ingredients like recycled grease. Also known as biodiesel, biofuel is made from a process called transesterification. If biofuel can be used on vessel engines there is the likelihood that it will partially replace normal fuel in the future and contribute to the cut in carbon emissions.

It is highly positive that the freight industry is taking notice and attempting to help the environment but it is obvious that more vessels need to follow this example. Experts are hoping that the advancement in the production of biofuels will aid in the wider distribution of this fuel to vessels and that they will be able to cut their carbon emissions in the future. There is still extensive testing that needs to be conducted in relation to the distribution of biofuels but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Author: Lauren Potgieter
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news