THE head of fleet technology at AP Moller-Maersk along with a number of maritime executives have joined the advisory panel of Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub.

The Hub, launched in October 2020, is a dedicated centre of excellence to accelerate the safe, sustainable and cost-effective decarbonisation of world shipping in support of delivering greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Lloyd’s Register said the advisory panel will ensure that the Hub fulfils its mission of providing the right level of insight, collaboration and leadership to support the shipping industry address its decarbonisation challenges.

The panel is made up of representatives from across the industry and includes:

Ole Graa Jakobsen – VP head of fleet technology at AP Moller-Maersk

Tom Strang – senior vice president, maritime affairs at Carnival Maritime

Aoife O’Leary – director at Environmental Defence Fund

Damien Speight – head of markets innovation at Orsted

Katy Ware – director of UK Maritime Services at the MCA

The members of the advisory panel will report into a governance board made up of representatives from Lloyd’s Register Group and Foundation, which will meet quarterly and review all aspects of the program.

Lloyd’s Register’s decarbonisation program manager, Charles Haskell, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome the advisory panel onboard… They represent different areas of shipping, from regulators to shipowners, as well as energy providers outside of the industry.

“Their role is fundamental in ensuring that the Hub works in line with its primary mission which is to help the shipping industry safely and sustainably transition to a decarbonised fleet.”

Katy Ware, director of UK maritime services at the MCA is also the UK’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization. She said, “As a world and as an industry, we undoubtedly face challenges to address the ongoing effects of climate change but it’s also a real opportunity for those of us who lead maritime standards globally to show that we can drive it forward.

“As the UK Flag, we will do all we can to ensure that regulation and innovation go hand in hand to keep ships and seafarers safe while working with industry to push forward targets in decarbonisation.

“It’s vital that we support industry but it’s equally vital we make maritime sustainable to protect our seas and the wider world for future generations.”

More panellists will be confirmed later this year.