From a business perspective, it might make sense to harvest resources in Country A, ship them to Country B for refinement or manufacturing, and then ship the finished goods to their destination. However, there is a growing realization that an increase in shipping means an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. So what can businesses and other players in the trading world do to become more environmentally-friendly?
What are the Effects of Sea Freight?
Given that over 90% of the world's trade travels by sea , ocean transport cannot be completely abandoned. It is also greener and more economical than air shipping, so there are not much better options. But since just one large cargo ship can emit as much sulfur as 50 million cars, we must strategize a practical solution.
Possible Strategies to Adopt
Anything we make or buy will likely leave an environmental impact. Until renewable technology can power everything, the damage we create cannot go ignored.
Quebec has realized this and has thus begun utilizing ferries that run on natural gas, reducing their emissions by 25%. Moreover, two Finnish firms have also had early success with wind-assisted propulsion systems. So where do you, a small or medium-sized business, fit in all this?
Make an Effort and Your Customers Will Reward You
To start, find a shipping company that is devoted to making its operations environmentally-friendly and a reliable and effective carbon offset program. It may take some time and research, but it will mean you are working with a company that is prepared for any upcoming changes. You may even attract new customers along the way since a growing number of people are becoming more aware and conscious about the long-lasting impact of human activity on the environment. In fact, according to Newsroom , over half of the 6,000 consumers that were surveyed said they would be willing to pay more for sustainable products, making it even more necessary to embrace sustainability to protect the future of the sea freight industry.
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At EXIMA , we are equipped with a network of experts that can answer all your questions about international trade. We have everything a trade stakeholder needs to get started. If you are interested, make sure to visit our site today!