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MIAL launches essential maritime decarbonisation summit in Melbourne 

Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL), the national maritime peak body, today launched its 5th Maritime Decarbonisation Summit in Melbourne – symbolically held on the international Day of the Seafarer, which acknowledges the people who drive global shipping and will play a pivotal role in managing the energy transition.

Convening more than 180 delegates who are leaders in international and domestic shipping and ports, including a large delegation from South East Asia with representatives from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, energy producers, offshore industries, and government; the summit explores the maritime industry’s progress towards net zero following the International Maritime Organisation’s agreement on the first universally binding carbon price on shipping, and increasing uncertainty on global ambition.

MIAL CEO Angela Gillham reminded conference participants of the immense challenge of decarbonising the shipping and maritime sectors, and the opportunity for Australia to leverage its natural advantages to manufacture the zero and near zero fuels that are so desperately required.

“In the interests of maritime decarbonisation and broader energy security, MIAL calls on the government during its next term to dedicate effort to developing the policy drivers, in close consultation with industry, that will illuminate a credible path to net zero and stimulate both the demand for, and supply of, zero and net zero fuels,” Gillham said.

An opening address was provided by the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government who was joined in welcoming delegates by the Hon Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ports and Freight and Minister for Roads and Road Safety.

Keynote speaker, Rod Sims AO, Chair of The Superpower Institute, which he co-founded with Ross Garnaut (author of Australia’s 2008 Climate Change Review), emphasised Australia’s potential to supply green energy.

Sims quoted a report by The Superpower Institute that estimates Australia’s potential market share of the green shipping fuel trade could be, broadly, 25%, which could result in a mitigation contribution of 0.4% of global emissions with an export revenue potential of around $43 billion.

“The 0.4% contribution is from shipping alone. The New Energy Trade report estimates that all transport fuels that can be replaced by green fuels represent over 8% of total emissions and that Australia’s share could contribute to reducing world emissions by around 2%. Compare this to the 1% contribution to the reduction in world emissions that is gained from decarbonising Australia’s entire domestic economy,” said Sims.

MIAL CEO Angela Gillham is positive about the future.

“Australia can become a global force facilitating maritime industry energy transition, but we must act now on this once in a lifetime chance.

“Today’s at-capacity summit demonstrates the dedication of Australia’s shipping and maritime sector, together with energy producers, to action towards a clean fuel future that will benefit Australia by providing secure jobs, better safeguard our natural environment, and improve national security as the world order continues to shift,” said Gillham.

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MIAL’s 5th Maritime Decarbonisation Summit in brief

The summit brought together leaders in international and domestic shipping, energy, offshore industries, and government; the summit explores the maritime industry’s progress towards net zero.

Key summit features:

  • Opening address by the Hon Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
  • Opening address by the Hon Melissa Horne MP Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ports and Freight and Minister for Roads and Road Safety
  • Pre-recorded address by IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez
  • Opportunity to learn more about the ASLET funding initiative
  • Opportunity to meet a special delegation from Southeast Asia supported by Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) as part of a Technical Knowledge Exchange in Melbourne from 22 – 28 June to connect counterparts in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam with relevant Australian government and private sector agencies.

Supplementary information:

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