Working to shape a sustainable future #greenshipping

This week, during his visit to the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted the deepening partnership between Norway and Brazil, particularly in advancing climate-friendly shipping. At an official reception, ABRAN had the privilege of connecting with the Prime Minister to showcase Norway’s substantial maritime presence in Brazil and reaffirm our commitment to sustainable innovation.

Promoting Climate-Friendly Shipping: A New Chapter in Maritime Collaboration

Building on their long-standing maritime relationship, Norway and Brazil announced a joint initiative to establish a transatlantic corridor for climate-friendly shipping. This ambitious project aims to identify fixed routes between Brazil and Europe for ships employing lower greenhouse gas emission technology and fuels, setting a global benchmark for sustainable shipping.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative:
‘Norway has a proud history as a shipping nation, and we aim to be a leader in green shipping. The ocean is what binds together trade between Brazil and Norway. Together, our countries have the expertise and technology needed to carry out a cutting-edge project that can showcase the potential of green shipping to the world at large. This will also open up opportunities for Norwegian shipyards and create jobs along our entire coast.’

Path to Zero-Emissions Shipping

The initiative builds on commitments made at COP26, where Norway and other nations agreed to establish shipping corridors between ports that facilitate near-zero or zero-emission operations. Shipping currently accounts for about 3% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, making this project a significant step toward decarbonizing the industry.

Brazil and Norway have launched a pilot project involving key industry partners to identify suitable routes and ports and to develop zero-emissions fuels. This collaboration aims to demonstrate that even long-distance shipping can achieve net-zero emissions, in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 targets.

‘An important step was taken last year, when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a strategy which includes an ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050. Norway and Brazil plan to show that this is also possible for ships sailing in long-distance transport. It is a challenging task, but we are very pleased to have the chance to work together with Brazil on this project,’ said Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Tore O. Sandvik.

Looking Ahead: Presenting at COP30

Over the next year, the two countries will review specific transatlantic routes for climate-friendly shipping. Norway and Brazil aim to present one or more viable options at the COP30 climate summit, which Brazil will host in 2025.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

From tackling climate change to fostering innovation, the Norway-Brazil partnership remains a beacon of international collaboration. ABRAN is proud to support initiatives that strengthen these ties and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the maritime industry. 🌊🇧🇷🇳🇴

The 6th edition of the Brazil x Norway Seminar was successfully held, reaffirming the strong and strategic collaboration between Brazil and Norway in the maritime and offshore sectors. The event, which took place at FGV Law School Rio, on the 24^th September, brought together key industry leaders and policymakers from both countries to discuss the critical role of cooperation in scaling up the green shift in the maritime industry.

This year’s seminar focused on the urgent need for sustainable solutions, with a special emphasis on decarbonization and the challenges posed by competition for carbon-neutral fuels across different sectors. Distinguished speakers from Brazil and Norway shared insights on policies, innovations, and regulations aimed at driving the green transformation in shipping and offshore operations.

Among the notable speakers were Patrícia Feitosa Bonfim Stelling, Technical Consultant of EPE; Ada Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime Clean Tech Cluster in Norway; Vice Admiral Carlos André Coronha Macedo, Director of Ports and Coasts; Vice Admiral (Ret.) Wilson Pereira de Lima Filho, Director of ANTAQ; and Josiane Schimidt Kurzlop Gonçalves, General Manager at Petrobras. Their presentations highlighted the commitment of both nations to sustainable maritime practices and the importance of international cooperation in achieving the IMO’s environmental targets.

Felipe Meira, President of ABRAN, opened the seminar with remarks on the longstanding partnership between Brazil and Norway, emphasizing the significance of Norwegian shipowners in Brazil and their leadership in decarbonization efforts. He also acknowledged the support of FGV Law School Rio and the Consulate General of Norway in making the event a success.

The seminar not only provided a platform for exchanging best practices but also reinforced the critical role that Norway and Brazil play in shaping a sustainable future for the global maritime industry. The discussions underscored the need for collaborative approaches to overcome the challenges ahead and leverage the opportunities that the green transition presents.

We thank all participants, partners, and supporters for making the 6th edition of the Brazil x Norway Seminar a great success. Together, we continue to pave the way towards a greener and more sustainable maritime future.

On September 5, 2024, key stakeholders from Brazil and Norway gathered at the Norwegian Embassy in Brasília for a working lunch organized by ABRAN and Team Norway to advance discussions on cooperation for decarbonizing the maritime and port sectors. The meeting brought together Brazilian government representatives, including the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPOR), ANTAQ, and the Brazilian Navy, alongside ABRAN´s members and representatives from Team Norway.

The event, hosted by Norwegian Ambassador Odd Magne Ruud, with opening words from Felipe Meira, President of ABRAN, provided a platform for open discussions on how both countries could enhance collaboration in achieving sustainable goals for the maritime industry. Presentations were held by MPOR Executive Secretary Mariana Pescatori, ANTAQ General Director Eduardo Nery, ABRAN Executive Director Ricardo Fernandes, Innovation Norway Director Thomas Conradi Granli and were focused on the Policies and Initiatives of Brazil to Increase Activities and Decarbonize the Maritime and Port Industry, ANTAQ’s Role in Regulating and Promoting Sustainable Practices in the Maritime Sector need for clear environmental policies, The Presence of Norwegian Shipowners in Brazil and the Great Potential to Strengthen Collaboration Towards the Green Transition and Expertise of the Norwegian Maritime Sector and Opportunities to Increase Cooperation and Activities in Brazil.

Discussions were also focused on reflections on the potential benefits of creating a sustainability pact between the government and key industry players, eventually prioritizing additional funding for companies committed to reducing emissions. ANTAQ’s role as the regulatory agency of the sector was also discussed and presented successful initiatives, such as the IDA – Environmental Performance Index.

Additionally, ongoing studies to assess the market for green fuels commissioned by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) and the potential for offshore wind energy and green hydrogen projects were discussed as promising future developments.

ABRAN’s Executive Director, Ricardo Fernandes, underscored the presence of Norwegian shipowners in Brazil and the vast potential for increased cooperation in the green transition. Success stories, such as the electrification of CBO’s vessels were shared as examples of Brazil’s progress in sustainable maritime practices.

This event marks a significant step towards deepening Brazil-Norway collaboration in driving sustainability within the maritime and port industries. ABRAN remains committed to supporting these initiatives and promoting a green future for the sector.

Norwegian Leaders Visit Skandi Carla During G20

In a remarkable demonstration of the strong maritime ties between Norway and Brazil, Norway’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Mr. Trygve Slagsvold, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Norway, Ms. Ida Wolden Bache, visited the state-of-the-art DOF vessel Skandi Carla. This visit, coinciding with the G20 summit in Brazil, underscores the commitment of both nations to sustainable and innovative maritime operations.

About Skandi Carla

The Skandi Carla, a DP2 class multipurpose vessel, is at the forefront of safe and efficient offshore operations. Under contract with Petrobras since January 2024, the vessel plays a crucial role in subsea inspections of flexible pipelines and equipment, ensuring the maintenance and reliability of Brazil’s offshore infrastructure.

Key Highlights from the Visit

Comprehensive Tour

During the visit, representatives from DOF delivered an in-depth presentation on the company’s operations, innovations, and contributions to the maritime industry. They highlighted DOF’s unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Annual Maritime Outlook Report

Ricardo Fernandes, Executive Director of ABRAN, presented the Annual Maritime Outlook Report. The report emphasized the significant contributions of Norwegian shipowners to the maritime sector, both in Norway and Brazil.

Value Creation Along the Coast

Norwegian shipowners operate an advanced and diversified fleet, generating NOK 211 billion in value and creating nearly 90,000 jobs in Norway. Their presence in Brazil includes a combined fleet of over 100 modern vessels, demonstrating a long-term commitment to local job creation and economic development.

Commitment to Transparency

The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) is dedicated to sustainability and transparency, publishing emissions data regularly. The emissions from the NSA member fleet represent 3% of global shipping emissions and 25% of Norway’s domestic emissions from shipping and fishing.

Leading the Green Transition

Norwegian shipowners are at the forefront of the green transition, utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. Their leadership is crucial for achieving a greener future for the maritime industry.

Need for Competitive Frameworks

Mr. Fernandes highlighted the necessity of international and competitive frameworks to ensure the maritime industry’s success and sustainability. A level playing field is essential for the industry’s growth and the advancement of sustainable practices.

Strengthening the Partnership

Brazil remains a key market for Norwegian shipowners. The enduring partnership between Norway and Brazil is vital for driving economic growth and sustainable development in the maritime sector. Together, both nations are navigating towards a more sustainable and prosperous future, reinforcing the maritime bonds that unite them.

This visit not only celebrates the strong ties between Norway and Brazil but also marks a significant step towards a sustainable and innovative maritime future. The collaboration and shared commitment to excellence between the two nations are instrumental in shaping a greener and more prosperous maritime industry.