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Revolutionizing Freight: Marine Transportation's Role in Sustainable Networks

Maggie Johnson

By Maggie Johnson

January 3, 2025


Image Credit: “ABS Chairman Named MMA Person of the Year,” available at Yahoo Images (01/03/2025).

“Sustainable transportation programs often become mode-centric, but it’s crucial to optimize freight transportation across all modes from origin to destination, requiring a system-of-systems approach,” stated Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman and CEO of ABS, during the Sustainable Freight Workshop at the White House.

Addressing U.S. transportation and government leaders, Wiernicki emphasized the unique advantages of freight shipping and the importance of its integration with other transportation sectors to maximize efficiency and sustainability.

“Marine transportation boasts lower emissions per ton-mile compared to other modes, is the most cost-effective freight option, and can handle volumes unmatched by other transportation methods,” Wiernicki explained. “It also offers import and export flexibility and is less vulnerable to infrastructure disruptions caused by natural disasters. However, its limitations—such as slower speeds and fewer delivery locations—necessitate close collaboration with other modes for safe, efficient, and sustainable freight transport.”

He elaborated on ABS’s holistic approach to freight sustainability, noting that the carbon footprint of freight moving through marine and intermodal systems from origin to destination is a critical benchmark for evaluating sustainability performance.

Highlighting ABS’ leadership in maritime innovation, Wiernicki noted that the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Office of Environment and Innovation has entrusted ABS with establishing and operating the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation under a five-year cooperative agreement. This initiative, authorized by Congress, aims to accelerate clean energy adoption on U.S. vessels through research, development, and training.

“The Center will serve as a national resource and play a pivotal role in fostering an industry-led, freight-focused working group—a key objective of this workshop,” Wiernicki said. “It will also support public and private efforts to implement a maritime freight modal plan, advancing sustainable transportation.”

The workshop, a collaborative effort involving industry, environmental groups, and government agencies such as the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, provided a platform for stakeholders across the freight sector. Participants included representatives from the maritime, rail, and trucking industries, as well as state and federal government, utilities, infrastructure providers, ports, and labor and environmental organizations.

As the discussions unfolded, Wiernicki reinforced the message that achieving a sustainable freight future hinges on recognizing the strengths of each transportation mode and fostering its seamless integration. By leveraging the potential of marine transportation within an interconnected system, the U.S. can drive progress toward a more sustainable and resilient freight network.

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