Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has affirmed South Africa\u2019s commitment to decarbonising those economic sectors that are currently reliant on fossil fuel for energy in an effort to mitigate against the impact of climate change.
\n\u201cWe have private enterprises, research institutions and ports in our country, that are hard at work in a quest to develop low or zero carbon fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia, green technologies for ships and port infrastructure,\u201d Mbalula said on Wednesday in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
\nAddressing delegates at the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE), the Minister emphasised that decarbonising should be done on the basis that there is just transition, which considers the socio-economic factors of the country and her people.
\nThis year\u2019s World Maritime Day Parallel Event is taking place under the theme: \u201cNew technologies for greener shipping,\u201d which calls for the global family of nations to take action on decarbonisation of shipping and ports through the use of zero or low carbon technologies, fuels and infrastructure.
\nThe ultimate goal is to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission across the globe for sustainable development
\nShipping contributes less than 3% of global emissions. However, if there are no mitigation measures taken, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships is projected to increase to 250% by 2050 because of future demand of cargo that will be carried by international ships.
\n\u201cWe believe that the abundance of renewable energy potential can accelerate the development of greener technologies and alternative fuels in order to meet the demand of supplying bunker to ships at our ports.
\n\u201cTo meet these demands, South Africa will have to accelerate her investments on research and innovation for the development of alternative fuels, technology and infrastructure,\u201d Mbalula said.
\nThe Minister said as countries embark on the development of the regulatory framework for the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, greener technology becomes central in providing new solutions and opportunities for the improvement of energy and technical efficiencies for sustainable shipping.
\n\u201cTo be able to decarbonise shipping as envisaged in the greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy, the spirit of co-operation among all stakeholders must be a golden thread that enables us to remove barriers that may impede investments and transfer of greener technologies while ensuring that no one is left behind,\u201d he said.
\nThe maritime event is an opportunity for the international community to make concrete contributions and collaborate on innovative and mitigation strategies geared towards addressing the impact of maritime transport on climate change.
\nTaking advantage of opportunities in maritime sector
\nThe Minister said South Africa is resolute in its efforts to grow a seafaring nation where young men and women are able to take advantage of the country\u2019s vast maritime resources for their livelihoods and careers.
\n\u201cSeafaring is an international occupation and seafarers produced by South Africa are able to work on international shipping and they are highly sought after.
\n\u201cProducing seafarers for international employment will no doubt contribute in the reduction of youth unemployment in our country,\u201d the Minister said.
\nMbalula said coastal shipping occupies the centre stage of South Africa\u2019s developmental efforts, not only to aggressively enhance the oceans economy, but also to create jobs.
\n\u201cThis will be realised by creating a captive market for South Africans where regulation will determine what categories of cargo should only be moved by sea. Our national policy recognises that South Africa\u2019s economy is intrinsically linked with other regional and continental economies.
\n\u201cThus, South Africa will leverage on regional and continental enabling structures and instruments to implement progressive initiatives particularly coastal shipping as an important enabler in unlocking the potential of the oceans to the region,\u201d the Minister said. <\/p>\n
Source: South African Government News Agency<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"