Institution's response to the Government's new Maritime 2050 strategy

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, responds,

“Shipping currently contributes about 2% of global CO2 emissions and this is expected to grow as other sectors reduce their emissions. Improving the fuels and propulsion systems used in shipping will reduce air pollution and the impact shipping has on the oceans.

“The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is currently supporting innovative shipping projects, such as the Smart Green Shipping Alliance collaborative study, with Drax and Ultrabulk, that is looking at the feasibility of wind power propulsion systems for bulk vessels. This project presents a new phase, taking us full circle back to wind power. By leading the way with state-of-the-art power and engine technologies, UK shipping would be able to remain relevant and commercially viable in an increasingly low-carbon world. The slow turnover of shipping fleets means that this work to improve maritime technologies must start now.”

“Smart Ports and the use of data in shipping will improve efficiencies in the transportation of goods and encourage better connections between activities at sea and on land. To achieve this successfully there must be collaborative regulation from all regulators involved.”

Notes to Editors

• Contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7973 1261 or email media@imeche.org
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries. www.imeche.org.