Australia's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from domestic maritime fuel consumption are currently recorded for the Paris Agreement inventory as around 2 Megatons of CO2-equivalent gaseous emissions[1]. This is significantly less than Australia's rail emissions (4 Megatons) or domestic aviation emissions (8 Megatons).

Unfortunately, a new report reveals this greatly underestimates the GHG emissions from the maritime sector. Annual domestic maritime emissions are likely to be more than 7 Megatons and possibly as much as 9 Megatons, putting them on par with domestic aviation in importance.

The Australian Domestic Maritime Emissions Review from the Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC) is a bottom-up analysis of domestic maritime fuel consumption, and thus GHG emissions, using published industry numbers, and reasonable extrapolations around engine sizes and annual hours of use. Vessel information from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Boating Industry Association (BIA) and International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) were used in the report.

"This report shows that Australian governments need to take the climate impact of the maritime sector more seriously," said the Chair of the MERC Steering Committee, Angus McDonald. "Without government focus and investment, we will find a significant part of our transport emissions will not change before 2030. Vessel operators need incentives and time to put in place the more sustainable technology that is available today, which are hybrid and battery electric power systems."

Australia has committed to reducing our GHG emissions by 43% by 2030 as an interim point on our progress towards net zero emissions by 2050. The energy transition needed to deliver on these targets is considerable and focus must be made where it is most impactful.

The bulk of domestic maritime emissions comes from a relatively small number of domestic commercial vessels (24,000 according to AMSA). MERC proposes that Australian Federal, State and Local Government incentives for electrification of commercial heavy vehicles be extended to commercial vessels, and that efforts be made to build out a domestic supply chain for maritime electrification solutions.

About the Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition

The Maritime Emissions Reduction Coalition (MERC) is a program initiated by Maritime Impulse Pty Ltd, a firm dedicated to advancing maritime sustainability. MERC exists to accelerate the reduction of Australia's maritime greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

MERC unites leading organisations in the maritime, manufacturing, government, and education sectors to drive emissions reduction in the Australian maritime industry for a greener, more sustainable future.

Website:            https://merc.blue

Address:            MERC c/o Maritime Impulse Pty Ltd 
                            Suite 14, 8/92a Mona Vale Road
                            Warriewood, NSW 2102
                            Australia 

Contact:             Angus McDonald
                            Chair of MERC Steering Committee
                            https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusmcdonald/

[1] https://greenhouseaccounts.climatechange.gov.au/