The Hidden Costs of Marine Operations

Introduction to Shipping Biodiversity Report

To support the shipping industry in managing its impact on the marine environment, Lloyd’s Register (LR) released the Shipping Biodiversity Report at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). This report serves as a critical tool to understand the cause-and-effect relationship between shipping activities and the resulting environmental pressures, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Impact of Non-Indigenous and Invasive Species

One significant environmental pressure from marine operations is the introduction of non-indigenous and potentially invasive species. These species can fundamentally alter native ecosystems through:

1. Predation
2. Competition
3. Habitat modification

Major vectors for this transfer include ballast water, sediments, and biofouling on hulls and propellers. This issue directly threatens SDG 14 by endangering marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Additionally, hull and propeller fouling increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to climate change and ocean acidification, which further exacerbate biodiversity loss. This links to SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14.

International Collaboration and Legal Frameworks

At UNOC, Norway, Fiji, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) co-sponsored a side event to discuss the challenges posed by invasive aquatic species and potential solutions. Key highlights include:

• Promotion of IMO’s decision to develop a legally binding framework for controlling and managing ships’ biofouling.
• Efforts to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species globally.
• Strengthening international cooperation to protect healthy and diverse oceans.

Sveinung Oftedal, Chief Negotiator for Green Shipping at the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, emphasized that this framework will elevate global actions to combat invasive species, supporting SDG 14 and fostering sustainable marine ecosystems.

Environmental Impact of Shipping Discharges

Shipping operations generate harmful and toxic discharges, categorized as either accidental or incidental:

• Accidental discharges: Major oil spills and cargo losses, such as plastic nurdles, which can cause catastrophic and long-lasting damage to marine life and ecosystems.
• Incidental discharges: Occur during normal vessel operations, including sewage and grey water. Although regulated, these discharges can still significantly harm the environment depending on factors such as frequency, volume, composition, and the sensitivity of the receiving environment.

Furthermore, airborne emissions from ships deposit hazardous substances and excess nutrients onto the ocean surface, altering marine environments and threatening biodiversity. These impacts relate to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 14.

Conclusion

The Shipping Biodiversity Report and ongoing international efforts highlight the urgent need for sustainable marine operations that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing invasive species, reducing harmful discharges, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions are critical steps to preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the health of the world’s oceans for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on marine environmental impacts caused by shipping, such as invasive species, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Greenhouse gas emissions from hull and propeller fouling contribute to climate change and ocean acidification.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Management of harmful and toxic discharges from shipping aligns with sustainable production and waste management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14 Targets
   • Target 14.1: Reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification.
2. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 14
   • Proportion of invasive aquatic species introduced through shipping vectors (ballast water, biofouling).
   • Extent of marine pollution incidents such as oil spills and plastic nurdle losses.
   • Measures of ocean acidification levels linked to shipping emissions.
2. Indicators related to SDG 13
   • Greenhouse gas emissions from shipping activities, including those increased by hull and propeller fouling.
3. Indicators related to SDG 12
   • Frequency, volume, and composition of harmful and toxic discharges (accidental and incidental) from ships.
   • Compliance with regulations controlling sewage, grey water, and airborne emissions from vessels.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: lr.org