Seminar explores challenge of carbon zero for maritime industry

City of Glasgow College’s Voyage to Carbon Zero seminar debates the urgent action required by the maritime sector to meet its carbon neutral targets.

Delivered in partnership with the Scottish Maritime Cluster, the seminar looked at the challenges and opportunities facing the shipping sector in achieving carbon zero.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, was delighted to welcome influential industry leaders and technologists from across the maritime sector, saying:

“The shipping industry contributes 3% to global carbon emissions, predicted to rise to 10% without action. Our seminar sought to contribute to the thought leadership that will develop the actions required to address the challenge of reversing this trend.

“As we continue to meet the need for qualified seafarers familiar with the latest maritime technology, the necessity to address environmental concerns, and the impact this will have on future generations needs to be examined in much greater depth.”

Michael Matheson MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, was a key speaker at the seminar. He highlighted that the maritime sector will be critical in helping to achieve the country’s carbon zero ambitions, adding:  

“The college sector is mission critical to helping and supporting the delivery of a just transition. City of Glasgow College is internationally renowned for its contribution to the sector, particularly the training of those who work on our vessels. It is important to make sure those cadets leaving the college have the skills, the knowledge and the ability to adapt to the changes that are going to happen within maritime.”

Anne Madsen, Deputy Head of Discipline, Mechanical Engineering, BAE Systems, kicked off the event, speaking about the design of ships, highlighting that decisions made now will impact on the next three decades, and suggesting a mind-set change to designing ships which can be reconfigured, so design for upgrade not for a set life-span.

The event which had guest speakers from Stephenson Harwood LLP, Varuna Marine and Maritime Coastguard Agency, concluded with a Q&A panel chaired by Charles Haskell from Lloyds Register. 

City of Glasgow College is also working with the Maritime Skills Commission to ensure future seafarers are properly equipped to contribute to the wider maritime sector. It is focussed on developing the essential soft skills, such as problem solving and creativity, vital to enabling shipping meet the carbon zero challenge by 2050.

The Voyage to Carbon Zero seminar was one of a series of events held at the college as part of its COP26 International Maritime Hub which has been showcasing green technology, innovation and capabilities from across the UK maritime industry.