Relying on fossil fuel not in future of Fiji's shipping: official

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, September 29, 2022
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SUVA, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism Shaheen Ali Thursday reaffirmed the Pacific island country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions in a speech marking the World Maritime Day, noting relying on fossil fuel will not be part of the future of the country's shipping industry.

The official stressed this year's World Maritime Day theme as New Technologies for Greener Shipping, and said Fiji has legislated its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through its Climate Change Act 2021, according to a report by the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).

Fiji has also pledged to reduce shipping emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

"We, as a nation, contribute only 0.006 percent to global emissions. But we have never shied away from taking a leadership role or decisive steps," Ali was quoted as saying.

He noted that marine transportation has played an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic, and international shipping accounts for over 80 percent of the world trade and to Fiji, this percentage is even higher.

According to Ali, marine transportation is a critical link for trade, fuel and basic supplies to Fiji among its islands, as well as integral to the tourism sector.

David Kolitagane, board chairperson for Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, said Fiji has more than 5,000 registered vessels.

"We anticipate this number will continue to increase and we encourage our stakeholders to continue to invest in the shipping industry to consider more energy options that will help save our environment and our future generations," he said. Enditem

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