When discussing the natural environment in today’s maritime industry, I find a great deal of contention and difference of opinion. Varying points of view and motivations shape how much or how little a company may value addressing environmental concerns.
Over the years, I’ve been part of many conversations with successful business leaders from different sectors of the industry who view the environment in completely different ways. Some see environmental agendas as politically driven, while others believe that advances in green technologies will drive operational and financial efficiencies. No matter where you land on the topic, it is worthwhile to consider how it could impact your business.
Environmental conversations typically start with pollution prevention. Companies and operators have been managing pollution prevention plans and emergency response initiatives for years. Crew training and drills include many routine spill response and pollution prevention procedures introduced over the course of more than 50 years through environmentally focused regulations. Among these are the Clean Water Act (1972), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (1973), the Oil Pollution Act following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Vessel General Permit (2013) and Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (2018).
More recently, environmental discussion has expanded to include reductions in carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner and renewable energy sources, and greater attention to environmental technology and innovation.
Tangible technology is available today across numerous new construction, vessel-repower, and retrofitting projects. The broader green technology sector continues to grow rapidly, generating more alternatives and strategic considerations for business leaders.
My viewpoint is neither for nor against any specific area of environmental thinking. Each successful business will determine what best serves its interests, stakeholders, community, regulatory obligations, and future. But I do believe it is important for all business leaders and operators to recognize that the environmental dimensions of their businesses extend well beyond pollution prevention and oil spill response. As the world moves forward with alternative energy sources and new areas of environmental innovation, business leaders must ensure they understand the full range of risks and opportunities that today’s environmental landscape presents.
