Energy efficiency in the maritime sector OF Panama
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70452/scientiaiter12.5Keywords:
IMO, shipowners, energy efficiencyAbstract
The international body responsible for regulating the maritime industry has developed a new framework aimed at promoting energy efficiency in naval operations. This regulation will have a direct impact on shipowners, who have expressed concerns regarding its practical implementation and associated costs. In this context, the objective is to examine energy efficiency within Panama's maritime sector, in light of the challenges posed by the newly introduced standards. The research follows a qualitative, exploratory, and documentary approach, analyzing recent provisions issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Working Group. Among the findings, it is noted that this group has announced the upcoming implementation of new requirements for vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more, through the progressive enhancement of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). It is worth noting that the regulation includes exemptions for certain categories of ships, such as RO-RO vessels and those equipped with electric, turbine, or hybrid propulsion systems, whose inclusion will depend on the establishment of adequate technical reference baselines. In conclusion, maritime transport remains the most commercially efficient cargo mode; however, due to its operational scale, this sector accounts for between 2% and 4% of global CO₂ emissions, thereby justifying the need for regulations that foster its sustainability.
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