Glasgow (UK), Port Louis (Mauritius) – 12 June 2024
The African Hydrogen Partnership (AHP) is delighted to announce that Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) joined the AHP.
99% of vessels currently in operation utilize high-emission fuels. As the global economy shifts towards more sustainable energy sources, there is an urgent requirement for enhancements to maritime infrastructure and vessels. To guarantee a reliable, affordable, and clean energy future for ocean transportation, a rapid enhancement in innovation and a competitive market for new fuels and technologies is essential. The ZESTAs and the AHP are determined to join forces to expedite the transition to zero-emission and sustainable hydrogen technologies in the maritime industry.
Madadh MacLaine, Founder and Secretary General at ZESTAs, stated,
“Africa sits on the frontline of climate impacts, while holding all of the resources required to prevent it. Through collaboration with the AHP, ZESTAs will work to ensure that the value of these resources remain within Africa, supporting its population to become resilient, benefit from adversity, and share its natural energy wealth with the world, on its terms. Maritime shipping, as the main energy transporter, and a major energy consumer, creates the perfect nexus for this partnership.”
Dr Innocent Uwuijaren, AHP Chairman and Director, said,
“The AHP is committed not only to minimizing GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions but also to safeguarding bio habitats and biodiversity. Approximately 2% of current greenhouse gas emissions stem from seaborne shipping, indicating that maritime and inland shipping vessels play a substantial role in global warming. The oceans endure severe marine heatwaves, humanity contaminates the waters, and overfishing swiftly diminishes the already declining fish stocks. Given Africa’s coastline of nearly 31,000 km, it is imperative for Africa to take action in order to protect marine ecosystems. I am excited that ZESTAs has become a member of the AHP. Together, we will collaborate to reduce GHG emissions and environmental pollution caused by waterborne transport .”
Prof Bamidele Adebisi, AHP’s University Board Member and Director, stated,
“Maritime transport (or ocean transport) or more generally waterborne transport is by some distance the most common mode of cargo transportation. Without this industry, intercontinental trade would quite simply not be possible. Hydrogen is a critical component for the decarbonization of vessels, regardless of their size. African ports play a crucial role in the decarbonization of international shipping routes, particularly those in the Indian Ocean, which are among the busiest in the world. Theoretical and applied sciences will play a crucial role in accelerating the decarbonization process. A strong partnership between ZESTAs and the AHP is vital for developing zero-emission, environmentally sustainable solutions for the decarbonization of international shipping. I am very much looking forward to collaborating with Zestas and engaging in many fascinating research projects.”
+++
About ZESTAs
Our purpose is to promote rapid and large-scale uptake of Zero Emissions Ship Technology (ZEST). Zero Emissions means zero GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions at point of use on the vessel with minimal upstream impacts. By combining zero emission technologies, we achieve zero emissions at a shipboard level faster. With today’s technologies we can achieve fully zero emissions now, particularly on smaller return to base vessels, and drastically reduce emissions on larger ocean going vessels with more complicated operational profiles.
For more information about ZESTAs, please visit https://zestas.org/.
+++
Printer-friendly version: ZESTAs – Announcement – 3
