McCown says environmentalism may shape shipping decisions

McCown says environmentalism may shape shipping decisions Environmentalism may play a bigger role in how shippers decide to book cargo, Trailer Bridge chief executive officer John D. McCown said Tuesday at the Global Greenship 2006 conference in Washington.

McCown

   “I think we’re moving towards a tipping point where shippers will begin to give some consideration to the environmental aspects of their marine carriers,” McCown said
   McCown said tugs that burn distillate fuel like those that power the barges used in Trailer Bridge’s service to Puerto Rico, emit fewer greenhouse gas than self-propelled ships that burn residual oil.
   Trailer Bridge said while ships only consume 2 percent of petroleum burned by internal combustion engines, they are responsible for a double-digit percentage of various greenhouse gases.
   McCown noted Maersk Line recently announced plans to use distillate fuel while in and near California ports.