12 January 2023 (Lloyd's List) - THE US has released its first decarbonisation strategy for the transportation sector. The joint effort’s goal is to achieve an 80%-100% reduction in the transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The sector is the largest source of GHG emissions in the US, accounting for one third of all emissions. According to the report, shipping comprises of 3% of all transportation emissions in the US. Light duty vehicles were the largest emitters at 49%; medium and heavy-duty trucks, aviation, off-road vehicles, pipelines, and rail comprised emitted 21%, 11%, 10%, 4% and 2% respectively. The EPA estimates about half of US shipping emissions are from international shipping, 30% are from domestic shipping, and 20% are from recreational vessels, although it admitted that accurately estimating maritime emissions is challenging. “Decarbonizing the sector by 2050 will require innovative practices, targeted regulations, and a strong and immediate commitment to innovation and deployment of new and emerging technologies,” the report says. The blueprint backs the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission goals of having 5% of the global fleet running on zero-emissions fuels by 2030, with at least 200 of those ships primarily travelling through main deepsea shipping routes. In addition, 10 large ports covering at least three continents should have the capacity to supply zero-emission fuels by 2030. The authors emphasised the importance of engaging with domestic and international stakeholders like shipowners, ports, and terminal operators to better understand the industry's challenge and needs, given its fragmented and international nature. They also said the US government should work closely other nations in the International Maritime Organization to adopt a zero-emissions by 2050 goal, perform more research and development of sustainable fuels and technologies, and invest in the necessary infrastructure to make these technologies and fuels available. “The domestic transportation sector presents an enormous opportunity to drastically reduce emissions that accelerate climate change and reduce harmful pollution,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “DOE is prepared to implement this blueprint alongside our partners within the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure all Americans feel the benefits of the clean transportation transition: good-paying manufacturing jobs, better air quality, and lower transportation costs.” The whole-of-government effort involves the Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The blueprint will be followed by more detailed decarbonisation action plans developed by the individual agencies.