ALMOST 18 months after the world got its first emissions reduction strategy from the International Maritime Organization, some of the most important companies for global trade have followed up with a warmly welcomed commitment to develop commercially viable zero-emissions vessels by 2030.

The launch of the Getting to Zero coalition during the UN Climate Action Summit was a big political statement for an industry that often goes unnoticed in the mainstream and earned it considerable praise.

Backed by non-governmental organisations, academics and governments this coalition appears promising and could end up being a significant springboard for the realisation of a green industry.

But beyond perception, what is it in practical terms that makes this voluntary project really any different from other collaboration initiatives that have launched in recent years? And what role do regulations have in an endeavour that will have serious commercial implications?

Joining the podcast this week to help answer these questions are two people directly involved in the Getting to Zero coalition; Baroness Bryony Worthington of the Environmental Defense Fund and Tristan Smith of the UCL Energy Institute and University Maritime Advisory Services.

The EDF, UCL Energy Institute and UMAS are all knowledged partners in the coalition.

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