Global energy company Total has joined an initiative aimed at decarbonising the maritime industry.

By joining the Getting to Zero Coalition, Total will partner with stakeholders from the maritime, energy infrastructure, and finance sectors to decarbonise the shipping industry.

The aim is to beat carbon emissions reduction goals set by the International Maritime Organisation.

IMO has set a goal to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2050 – compared to 2008 levels.

The Getting to Zero Coalition is aiming at getting commercially viable deep-sea zero-emission vessels powered by zero-emission fuels into operation by 2030.

Total will contribute to the Coalition’s focus areas including fuels, marine lubricants, and ship zero-emission technologies.

Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of Total, said: “As a major energy player, Total is already developing cleaner fuels for the maritime industry.

“We share the ambition to get to net-zero emissions by 2050, together with society, for our global operations. By joining the Getting to Zero Coalition, we want to push innovation and foster collective actions with all the stakeholders of the industry, thus contributing more efficiently to the reduction of the carbon footprint of maritime transport and its energy value chains.”

The Getting to Zero Coalition was launched at the United Nations climate summit in New York on September 23, 2019, as a partnership between the Global Maritime Forum, the Friends of Ocean Action and the World Economic Forum.

The consortium has over 120 public and private organisations and has been endorsed by governments of 14 countries.