ClassNK commits funds to joint GHG reduction program

ClassNK’s commitment will cover more than 25% of the project’s total budget of 8.5 billion yen ($95 million) through 2012. During the conference, Ueda, who will become the chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) this July, stated that, “Classification societies must take a leading role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.” He continued by saying, “Our commitment as an industry must go beyond merely helping to establish goals for reducing maritime emissions. We must actively contribute to developing, funding, and promoting concrete, practical technologies to make the achievement of these goals a reality. The commitment we are making today is an important step in that process.”

The R&D program is part of a national effort to reduce GHG emissions established by the MLIT last year and more than 20 projects currently being conducted by major Japanese maritime companies have already been selected for funding and assistance by MLIT. Participants in the program represent the vast breadth of the Japanese maritime cluster, including shipping companies, shipbuilders, manufacturers, and research organizations.