Biden Unveils Plan for Net-Zero Emissions in Maritime Sector

On December 11, U.S. President Joe Biden introduced the U.S. Maritime Decarbonization Action Plan, building on the goals outlined in the administration’s U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization.

The action plan lays out a combination of short-term and long-term measures aimed at decarbonizing the maritime industry. It specifies the roles of both the federal government and private sector in overcoming obstacles to achieving net-zero emissions in maritime transport.

The primary objective of the plan is to achieve full decarbonization of the U.S. maritime sector, with a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The initiative targets all segments of the maritime industry, including large ocean-going vessels like bulk carriers and container ships, as well as commercial harbor craft, coastwise ships, and inland waterway vessels like towboats, ferries, tugboats, and offshore supply vessels. Even recreational boats are included in the scope of this effort.

The U.S. is already making strides in zero-emission shipping. In June, Crowley, ABB Marine, and California Air Resources Board Member Takvorian came together to christen the country's first fully electric tugboat at the Port of San Diego, California. The following month, the nation’s first hydrogen fuel cell ferry was launched at the Port of San Francisco.

Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director for Pacific Environment, commented: “The Biden administration stands at a pivotal moment to leave a historic climate and economic legacy by championing the transition to a zero-emission shipping industry. Although we believe the plan could have been more ambitious, by fulfilling its maritime decarbonization commitments, the U.S. can lead by example, proving to the world that it is serious about driving a global shift toward cleaner, sustainable shipping while bolstering economic growth and innovation.”