The ATPI Group has called on fellow travel management companies to up their game when it comes to managing carbon emissions for shipping clients.
Following on from World Maritime Day, ATPI says it’s time for TMCs to start supporting shipping clients in addressing their travel related CO2 emissions, and that it is important to ensure any offsetting offered is in conjunction with reduction strategies to ensure avoidance of any green-washing.
It has also emphasised that any carbon offset projects should be of the highest standard.
“The shipping industry accounts for up to 3% of global CO2 emissions and is well aware that it has to do something about that,” said Pippa Ganderton, ATPI Halo Product Director.
“The aim is to halve emissions by 2050 and there is a huge amount of research and development being done to meet these targets, but what our experience tells us is that offsetting has to play a big part in the meantime.”
She said World Maritime Day drew the TMC’s attention to the issue of what makes a genuine offsetting scheme and the problem of less credible schemes infiltrating the market.
“TMCs must lead the way and be able to demonstrate that clients are using a certified, verifiable scheme that really is making a difference,” she added.
In the maritime world, shipping firms are increasingly looking towards alternative fuels such as hydrogen, nuclear and even wind power, with many looking to completely decarbonise by the middle of the century.
With the industry appetite looking to move away from traditional fossil fuels, there is more pressure on regulators to be more ambitious with emission-reduction targets.
Marine businesses are looking for an opportunity to maintain the ocean’s biodiversity whilst investing in clean energy projects.
In response, ATPI has added the Delta Blue Carbon Project to its certified offset portfolio. The project allows companies to offset unavoidable emissions by supporting a major mangrove regeneration in Pakistan’s Sindh Province, supporting nature diversity and local communities.
ATPI is also offering consultancy support to clients to identify the extent to their Scope 3 emissions and address these in partnership with reliable carbon offset project providers.
