Part 3: Regardless of greening technologies and alternate energy resources, the world continues to remain reliant on fossil fuels to drive global economies.
Part 2: In the face of the Gulf of Mexico catastrophe, it is easy to jump to a subjective conclusion that no tanker traffic should be allowed in the area.
Several influential Members of the UK's Parliament have called the international shipping industry "irresponsible" for its lack of progress in reducing its carbon dioxide footprint.
The countdown has started until MEPC 59, where an IMO committee will meet to address greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from shipping, a contentious endeavor sure to take center stage.
From January 1, 2010 all vessels will have to consume fuel or apply measures to ensure that exhaust emissions are equivalent to the use of fuel containing no more than 0.1% Sulphur.
The recently submitted US/Canada joint Emission Control Area (ECA) application to the IMO lays out a compelling case for a protected marine zone of sufficient geographic breadth and size.
With the shipping world set to address greenhouse gas emissions, now is an opportune time for the sector to consider other climate-forcing emissions such as black carbon.
As for so many industries, one of the main victims of the current economic climate has been cash flow and, as a result, many vessels are bunkering smaller volumes more frequently.
Maersk's announcement that it will begin slow-steaming as a standard procedure, reducing speeds by as much as half, may have shocked some in the industry.
