Page 31: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2012)

June 2012www.marinelink.com 31awareness of the operational, regulatory and reputational risks that carbon presentsand turning those into opportunities tobuild commercial advantage will benefit both the environment and the bottom line. Not only do efficiency measures simul- taneously reduce fuel consumption andtherefore spend, at the same time theworld?s focus on shipping?s stance against climate change continues to sharpen.Stakeholders across the global supply chain are all placing greater importanceon carbon emissions management. Majorretailers are driven by consumer interest in sustainability, for example, and for fi- nancial institutions climate change CSRis now a key criterion on which banks such as ABN Amro evaluate future fund- ing. Where the financial institutions lead, charterers follow closely as they are also attracted to more efficient vessels. Com- municating your sustainability credentialsto these stakeholders in a way that is stan- dardized and accredited by an independ-ent, third-party organization is another element of a formal emissions reductionprogram. Being able to show that a ves- sel is part of a carbon reduction pro-gramme will become an additional assetthat adds genuine value and return on in- vestment for your organization. Essentially, investing in efficient vessels means investing in a long-term carbon emission strategy. Guided by experts and based on a three-phase program of meas-uring, reducing and offsetting carbon emissions, this will prepare shipowners to weather the introduction of competitionfurther regulation and fluctuating fuel prices. While we wait for further regula- tion to be agreed, the shipping industrymust focus on understanding that carbonhas a price, as well as the proactive meas- ures that can be taken to realize the value that it presents both now and in the years to come.This is a pivotal time in the develop- ment of global carbon measure for ship-ping. Now, more than ever, ship owners need support to understand and capitalizeupon this new era of emissions regulation and the positive impacts that this can bring to the market. While no specific mechanism is yet confirmed, further emissions regulation and a price on carbon in some form is a certainty. Taking action now will ensure that shipowners are better prepared with a strong com- mercial advantage once compliance is made. Helena Athoussaki, CEO, Carbon PositiveMR June12 # 4 (25-33):MR Template 6/13/2012 9:27 AM Page 31