Industry networks can help shipping companies to decarbonize
Learning about new technologies in industry networks, such as the Maritime Battery Forum, is valuable for shipping companies, but strengthened support from the networks can help shipping companies adopt zero emission technology.
The maritime industry is joining together in collaborative networks to tackle the immense task of decarbonization. It is widely recognized that collaboration is key to success. In Norway, several green shipping networks have formed and grown large over the last decade. Some of the most prominent are the Maritime Battery Forum, The Green Shipping Programme and NCE Maritime CleanTech. They have developed into strong networks with leverage to innovate and influence public policy.
As a part of my PhD project at the University of Bergen, I have studied how being a member in a green shipping network aids shipping companies in their effort to reduce their emissions. The research shows that shipping companies learn and gather information in network activities, such as seminars and conferences, and distributes the new information inhouse. This new information may lead to improvements in emission reduction. However, green shipping networks have a larger potential to impact the decarbonization of shipping companies if they have the resources to give one-on-one guidance. In this article, I explain in more detail how this happens.
The study is a qualitative case study of three shipping companies that are members of the Maritime Battery Forum, NCE Maritime CleanTech and/or the Green Shipping Programme. Case studies can give deep insight in organizational processes but cannot automatically be generalized to all shipping companies or all kinds of network members.
Organizing in networks creates a structure that is efficient for sharing of experiences and information. In my research, I find that the shipping companies find participation in green shipping networks valuable. They join networks to stay on top of trends, be informed about the newest technology and manage the risk of falling behind technologically. I have looked at how information acquired in network meeting points like seminars and conferences finds its way to decision makers in shipping companies. The person from the shipping company participates in network events and takes notes and learns from presentations. He or she then goes back to the office and distributes the information inhouse by passing on a presentation by e-mail, informing leaders in weekly meetings, or talking to interested colleagues. Informal sharing of information is important, such as when having a cup of coffee with colleagues. One person I interviewed told me: “I usually share information in weekly meetings. Or rather, the best is to share information over a cup of coffee. Five to ten minutes over a cup of coffee with colleagues. That’s how we spread information. Often, more interesting conversations come out of these informal talks than in the weekly meetings”.
The shipping companies reported that their work on decarbonization was to some extent impacted by participation in green shipping networks. One shipping company told me they improved the battery technology they use after learning about it in the Maritime Battery Forum. However, learning from network activities has not (yet) lead to major changes in emission reduction strategies in the three studied shipping companies. The study reveals one way green shipping networks can help shipping companies take large steps towards decarbonization: They can sit down with the member and identify the challenges and barriers that are specific to that member, evaluate which technologies are appropriate, identify relevant funding schemes and support the company in writing applications for funding. One of the companies report that they see this as a main reason for continuing to be a network member, as they believe they will need the support when the time comes to take the leap into using zero emission fuel. Such one-on-one guidance requires resourceful network administrations but can potentially be decisive for individual members when they are ready for adopting zero emission technology.
This study will be presented at the annual conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists in November 2021. It is not yet published.
Agnete Hessevik is a PhD candidate in political science at the University of Bergen. She has recently published one article on how green shipping network influence policymaking in Norway, which can be found here.
