As COP26 designated 10th November as the dedicated transport thematic day, 18 countries have joined what is described as the first-ever framework to create zero-emission ocean shipping corridors.

These corridors will be zero-emissions maritime routes between two or more ports that will require that only zero-emission ships can travel from selected ports – for example, Shanghai to Los Angeles or Rotterdam to New York.

Signatories to the so-called Clydebank Declaration for Clean Shipping Corridors include the US, Japan, Canada, Chile and Costa Rica.

According to recent reports, the shipping industry emits an estimated one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Madeline Rose, Climate Campaign Director, Pacific Environment: “Just like cars and trucks, ships will need new charging stations in a zero-emission future at the ports they frequent all around the world.

“We thank the UK for  leading this clean shipping initiative and commend all first-mover nations, but warn the Clydebank framework leaves room for delay tactics and fossil fuel loopholes.”

Dan Hubbell, Shipping Emissions Campaign Manager, Ocean Conservancy, said: “Today’s declaration is a great first step towards cleaning up our ports, port communities and the maritime sector.

“The cooperation inherent in these green corridor commitments will help pave the way for eliminating emissions from ports and shipping here in the US and internationally.”