A NEW report has highlighted the significant benefits for reducing freight emissions by moving more cargo to coastal shipping.
Comparing the emissions performance of road, rail and shipping across four essential Australian freight routes, The Emission Reduction Potential of Mode Shift to Maritime Transport report found greenhouse gas emissions reductions of between 60% and 90% by rebalancing freight between road and coastal shipping.
Launched at Parliament House this week by infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King, the report was developed by Transport Emissions/Energy Research and commissioned by the Maritime Union of Australia in collaboration with Maritime Industry Australia (MIAL) and supported by the Energy Futures Foundation.
Other key messages were:
• Coastal shipping reduced total tonnes of fuel used by 55-85%, when compared with road or rail,
• For longer routes, coastal shipping reduced emissions by 70%, while moving larger cargo volumes than road or rail,
• Shifting cargo to coastal shipping resulted in a 25-90% reduction in total fuel use.
MIAL principal advisor – decarbonisation and industry transformation, Clare Grandison, said the report showed significant diesel fuel use and emissions reductions were possible using today’s technology and maritime footprint.
“The Australian transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, making up more than 21% of total emissions each year,” Ms Grandison said.
“Even modest freight mode shifts could deliver meaningful reductions in our nation’s emissions.
“Importantly, we don’t need to wait for implementation of future technologies. The report shows emissions reductions are feasible now, using today’s vessels, infrastructure and capability.”
MIAL chief executive Angela Gillham said the said greater use of coastal shipping could improve productivity for the freight sector and strengthen supply chain resilience.
“As an island nation, the efficiency of our supply chain affects not only our economy, but our national resilience.
“Despite coastal shipping’s emissions advantages, our maritime industry represents only a small share of Australia’s domestic freight task," Ms Gillham said.
“By better balancing freight between coastal shipping, rail and road, Australia can lower emissions, improve productivity and build a more diverse and resilient freight network, all whilst supporting Australian fuel security.”
"We look forward to continuing to work with government and industry to explore the opportunities identified in this report and support the growth of coastal shipping in Australia's freight future."