| Many companies looking to ship internationally are | | | | This is because of the enormous volume of goods |
| concerned about the carbon footprint of their ocean | | | | that can be transported at once on an ocean |
| shipping company, for a multitude of reasons. Finding | | | | freighter. Countries are willing to self-regulate and |
| a company that is environmentally conscious can be | | | | work together to improve the environmental impact |
| beneficial to you and your business. Not only are | | | | of ocean shipping because they are all in it for the |
| responsible companies leaving less of an impact on | | | | same reasons. They don't want lower, cheaper |
| the environment, but they usually operate in a more | | | | standards to be available or it will incent shipping |
| efficient manner to save resources. This, in turn, can | | | | companies to cut corners. By working together and |
| save you time and money. | | | | standardizing regulations, no one company stands to |
| New technologies help ocean shipping companies | | | | profit any more than the next. |
| reduce their environmental impact. One of the main | | | | Standards don't only cover emissions, but also waste |
| concerns is emissions. One simple solution that | | | | disposal, sewage treatment, safety, and logistics |
| companies have come up with is reducing speed. | | | | practices at the port. In the end, the environment will |
| Simply slowing down a little can cut emissions by | | | | not be the only thing to prosper. Companies utilizing |
| 25%. Using electric instead of diesel generators can | | | | international ocean shipping will enjoy the streamlined |
| also significantly cut air pollution. They're even | | | | processes that will allow for easier and faster |
| experimenting with giant sails that allow engines to be | | | | processing times. |
| slowed down and delivery time sped up. | | | | Safety measures and response to accidents will also |
| Countries are coming together, doing research, and | | | | be controlled. Companies are already working future |
| setting new emissions standards. In the United States | | | | environmental standards into their day to day |
| and Canada, ships will be required to use fuels that | | | | operations. They are required to invest in new |
| contain less than 1% sulphur by 2012, and less than | | | | technologies, research, and plan implementation that |
| 0.1% by 2015. This will reduce particulate matter and | | | | will help to reduce the impact that ocean freight |
| other harmful airborne pollutants by up to 90%. | | | | companies have on the environment. |
| Global standards aren't far behind. | | | | Overall, the industry has set its own standards that |
| As cleaner fuels become available, international ocean | | | | will drastically reduce environmental impact over time. |
| freight shipping companies are taking advantage. | | | | It may take some time, but the difference it will |
| Transporting cargo by ocean vessel is considered the | | | | make is an important one that will be well worth the |
| cleanest form of transport over air, rail, or ground. | | | | effort. |