Maritime transport, which pioneers green trade, is threatened by the climate crisis

While the world will experience the effects of climate change in 2023 by struggling with different weather events at the same time, drought, floods, forest fires, extreme temperature values ​​and melting of glaciers were among the main effects.

Factors such as melting of accumulated snow due to temperatures above seasonal norms and excessive and sudden rainfall cause river and sea levels to rise, while reasons such as lack of precipitation and drought cause the water levels of rivers to decrease.

According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union (EU), the global sea water level has increased by an average of 3.3 millimeters every year since 1993, a total of 9.7 centimeters in a 30-year period. 30 percent of the increase in global sea level was due to thermal expansion after warming of waters, and the remaining 70 percent was due to melting of glaciers. The sea water level in Europe has increased by 2-4 millimeters annually in the last 30 years.

The 1230-kilometer-long Rhine River, which starts in Switzerland, passes through the French border, passes through Germany and flows into the North Sea from the Netherlands, provides the connection of Germany’s developed industrial zones to the supply chain. The river, which struggles with water losses due to drought throughout the summer, struggles with excessive rainfall with the arrival of winter.

While the recent increase in the water level in the river has disrupted global maritime trade, the region of the Rhine River in the south of Germany was closed to ship passage following the sudden rise in water level. The rise of the water level in the Rhine River, an important maritime trade center for Europe, prevents ship passage by reducing the distance that ships need to pass under the bridges in the river. For this reason, companies that cannot use the river are looking for alternative waterways where ships can proceed.

“Sea travel causes 90 times less carbon emissions than air travel”

Answering questions about the effects of changes in river water levels on maritime transportation, Kıran said that intercontinental trade, raw material transportation, and affordable food import and export would not be possible without maritime transportation.

Kıran said, “Approximately 85 percent of world trade and approximately 87 percent of Turkey’s foreign trade cargo are transported by sea. It is seen that maritime transport carries cargo cheaply, in large volumes and with a minimum environmental footprint. In the transportation of 1 ton of cargo to a distance of 1 kilometer, sea transport Compared to road, carbon dioxide emissions are 6 times higher in railways, 19 times more in roads, and 90 times more in air.” said.

Kıran stated that the high seas trade, which is carried out with approximately 66 thousand ships in the world, may be affected by any accident or climate event that may occur at nodal points and ports such as straits, channels, rivers and passages, and that may disrupt maritime traffic, and said that this situation may cause great damage to the global economy and at the same time. He noted that interruptions and delays that may occur in the transportation of goods and products to the countries and regions where they are needed may also cause disruptions in the supply chain, causing crises and risks on a humanitarian scale.

Reminding that the container ship Ever Given ran aground and got stuck in the Suez Canal on March 24, 2021, as a result of reduced visibility due to a sandstorm and bad weather conditions, the canal remained closed for a while, maritime traffic stopped and ships formed long queues on both sides of the canal. reported that global trade suffered a daily loss of around 10 billion dollars during the period when there were disruptions in the shipment of crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and many other products.

Kıran mentioned that the decrease in sea and river levels due to drought, which occurred as a result of less than expected rainfall due to global warming, in the Panama Canal, through which approximately 6 percent of world trade is carried out, negatively affects maritime trade, and continued as follows:

“There were disruptions in ship traffic in the canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. While ship passages were gradually reduced during this period, only 24 ships were allowed to pass between 8-30 November 2023 in the canal, where an average of 36 ships pass per day in normal times, and the loads the ships carried were also affected. “Restrictions had been introduced. While the disruption of traffic in the channel concerned nearly 170 countries, it also caused freight prices to rise.”

Unforeseen events cause disruptions to maritime trade

Warning that the problems that may occur in the straits and canals may disrupt maritime trade, and that the increase in sea level may cause disruptions in maritime trade by destroying the infrastructure of facilities and ports in coastal areas, Kıran said that the tsunami and storms that occur after the earthquake may disrupt the normal maritime transportation routes. He underlined that it could cause change.

Kıran advised that potential dangers that may affect the future course of maritime trade and the effects of climate change should be monitored and possible risks should be evaluated.

Explaining that efforts are continuing for decarbonization and the development of zero-emission ships in the maritime sector, Kıran listed the steps that can be taken in the process of adaptation to climate change in this context as follows:

“It is of great importance to develop technology to make ships and other vehicles used in maritime transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly. In this regard, innovative fuel technologies and more efficient ship designs should be developed. The port infrastructure that will enable ships to operate in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner is of great importance. Energy efficiency measures should be taken in ports and waste management systems should also be developed. However, ultimately, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of maritime trade requires a global effort. It is of great importance that all relevant countries, institutions and organizations act in cooperation and fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. .”