Today is World Oceans Day 2021. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) takes a moment to reflect upon the importance of the Ocean and the lives and livelihoods it touches
We are all citizens of the oceans. For shipping, the ocean is our workplace and we have a responsibility to ensure the ongoing health of our oceans. As highlighted by the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day, we live off the ocean and we depend on it for our livelihoods.
At MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), contributing to a sustainable ocean economy is a key component of our commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact as well as to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those on climate action (SDG 13) and on life below water (SDG 14).
Sustainable Ocean Transportation Requires Decarbonisation
Decarbonising logistics is a top priority for MSC, and we maintain our focus on finding long-term solutions to address the climate challenge in collaboration with our partners across and beyond the transportation industry through platforms such as the Getting to Zero Coalition and Clean Cargo, among others. MSC’s pathway to logistics decarbonisation includes working towards carbon neutrality, supporting logistics transitional solutions and consistently pursuing efficiency programmes – which together have resulted in progressively reducing our emissions over the last decade.
Our MSC FEBE vessel was recently awarded ‘Ship of the Year’ at the Seatrade Maritime Awards International 2020, recognising its state-of-the-art design and engineering that minimises wind resistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption and maximising energy efficiency.
Understanding our Marine Environment
In our first year of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), we are reminded of the importance of the shipping sector’s role in understanding our oceans. With more than 80 per cent of the world’s oceans unexplored, we need to better understand the marine environment in which we operate through robust monitoring and research.
An example of how shipping can contribute to ocean science is MSC’s support to Team Malizia and Boris Herrmann. A special laboratory was installed onboard the Seaexplorer yacht (used in the Vendée Globe Race 2020) to measure CO2 levels, temperature, salinity and PH, helping scientists to understand the impact of climate change on the ocean – particularly in remote areas where there is currently little data available. Team Malizia is also raising awareness on climate through its A Race We Must Win movement, highlighting the need for progress on decarbonisation and renewable energies (the Seaexplorer equipped with solar panels and hydro generators thereby eliminating any need for fossil fuels).
Photo credit: Yvan Zedda
Protecting our Oceans and Coastal Ecosystems
MSC’s commitment to the achievement of SDG 14 is reflected by its activities focused on the conservation of oceans and protection of marine life. We avoid routes along vulnerable areas, maintaining a firm position to preserve the Arctive environment and not use the Northern Sea Route for commercial shipping.
Part of MSC’s Cargo Division, Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) has been supporting the wellbeing of coastal ecosystems in Togo, working with Lomé Container Terminal and the local authorities to undertake a comprehensive mangrove plantation programme. Providing food, flood protection and financial security to coastal communities in the area, the programme has led to almost eight hectares of mangroves in Zalivé.
On the occasion of World Oceans Day, we call for continued action to conserve and protect oceans. As maritime citizens of the ocean, our lives and our livelihoods depend on it.
For more information on MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company’s sustainability activities, see www.msc.com/che/sustainability
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