Guidebook helps shipping mitigate biodiversity impact

HELPING the global shipping sector reduce its impact upon biodiversity is the aim of a new guidebook released by the UK-based Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI). 

The Guidebook for Marine Biodiversity and Ocean Health (MBOH) was officially launched to coincide with World Maritime Day (25 September). 

According to the SSI, the world faces the triple crisis of biodiversity loss, ocean pollution and climate change. 

The purpose of the guidebook is to provide “a practical resource” to support shipping stakeholders in embedding biodiversity considerations into business decisions, using existing best practices, scientific evidence and analysis. 

The guidebook notes opportunities for improvement, sharing case studies and examples covering a wide set of biodiversity issues. 

According to the SSI, the global shipping industry plays an increasingly large role in the health of the world’s oceans, as well as having impact on multiple planetary boundaries. 

It notes that shipping contributes to a range of ocean problems including whale strikes, underwater noise and operational discharges, while also being essential to trade and economic empowerment. 

The SSI guidebook identified the need for a common understanding of the problems and inter-dependencies. 

“There is also an opportunity to build stronger partnerships between the ocean conversation community, those enabling the blue economy, and the shipping industry given these shared challenges—working towards a healthy ocean, progressing from risk-based responses to more regenerative approaches, and co-operating on climate action,” the authors stated. 

SSI organised a webinar with contributions from leading industry actors to coincide with the launch it of the guidebook. 

The webinar detailed how many of the guidebook’s recommended practices were being put into practice. 

These include improving ship recycling standards, implementing nature-positive port development and enhanced environmental risk management.  

Speaking upon joining the SSI back in May this year, Rio Tinto head of commercial operations Laure Baratgin talked of the need for industry collaboration towards a better future. 

“Industry collaboration and sharing is essential and we are excited to partner with the SSI to work towards a safer and more sustainable shipping industry,” Ms Baratgin said.