The Global Maritime Forum, in collaboration with Arup, has highlighted the significant economic potential of decarbonising the shipping industry. The shift to e-fuels is projected to generate up to four million green jobs by 2050, doubling the current number of seafarers. This job creation spans renewable energy generation, hydrogen production, and e-fuel production.
Shipping, responsible for 3% of global CO2 emissions, is under pressure to decarbonise by 2050 as per the International Maritime Organisation’s target. The transition to z
ero-emission e-fuels will require substantial renewable energy and hydrogen production capacity.
The report, titled Green Jobs and Maritime Decarbonisation, suggests that £3.2 trillion in investment will be needed to build the necessary infrastructure. This investment is expected to create a significant number of skilled green jobs, with many transferable to other sectors, aiding broader decarbonisation efforts.
The most significant job creation is anticipated in the 2030s, with a decrease in the 2040s as investment reduces. Notably, green job opportunities will help address economic disparities between the Global North and South, with greater job creation potential in the latter due to favourable climates for e-fuel production.
Further research is called for to understand the full potential of various future fuels and the geographical implications of maritime decarbonisation.
Quadrise plc (LON:QED) is an energy technology provider whose solutions enable production of cheaper, cleaner, simpler and safer alternatives to fuel oil and biofuels, proven in real world applications. Quadrise technologies produce transition fuels called MSAR® and bioMSAR™, which allow clients in the shipping, utilities and industrial sectors to reduce carbon emissions whilst also saving costs.
