New technologies help ocean shipping companies reduce their environmental impact. One of the main concerns is emissions. One simple solution that companies have come up with is reducing speed. Simply slowing down a little can cut emissions by 25%. Using electric instead of diesel generators can also significantly cut air pollution. They’re even experimenting with giant sails that allow engines to be slowed down and delivery time sped up. Countries are coming together, doing research, and setting new emissions standards. In the United States and Canada, ships will be required to use fuels that contain less than 1% sulphur by 2012, and less than 0.1% by 2015. This will reduce particulate matter and other harmful airborne pollutants by up to 90%. Global standards aren’t far behind.

As cleaner fuels become available, international ocean freight shipping companies are taking advantage. Transporting cargo by ocean vessel is considered the cleanest form of transport over air, rail, or ground. This is because of the enormous volume of goods that can be transported at once on an ocean freighter. Countries are willing to self-regulate and work together to improve the environmental impact of ocean shipping because they are all in it for the same reasons. They don’t want lower, cheaper standards to be available or it will incent shipping companies to cut corners. By working together and standardizing regulations, no one company stands to profit any more than the next.

Standards don’t only cover emissions, but also waste disposal, sewage treatment, safety, and logistics practices at the port. In the end, the environment will not be the only thing to prosper. Companies utilizing international ocean shipping will enjoy the streamlined processes that will allow for easier and faster processing times. Safety measures and response to accidents will also be controlled. Companies are already working future environmental standards into their day to day operations. They are required to invest in new technologies, research, and plan implementation that will help to reduce the impact that ocean freight companies have on the environment. Overall, the industry has set its own standards that will drastically reduce environmental impact over time. It may take some time, but the difference it will make is an important one that will be well worth the effort.