The future of Shipping BICEPS Network T


he BICEPS Network is founded by shippers that share one common passion: sustainability! We


interviewed Board members Coen Faber and Walter Vermeer.


How did this network come about?


Coen: “‘BICEPS Network’ is an initiative whereby global shippers are joining forces to accelerate the transition towards more sustainability. BICEPS’ mission is to boost initiatives and create momentum for the implementation of sustainable solutions and innovations in the shipping sector by using the shippers power of demand.”


Can you explain the mechanisms you have developed to achieve results?


Walter: “The BICEPS Network has developed two main mechanisms to drive sustainability in the shipping sector and in supply chains:


Stimulate sustainable performances of carriers via the procurement process of shippers


The members use the sustainability performance of ocean carriers as a factor when considering the allocation of their ocean freight procurement. This gives a commercial incentive to the shipping lines to become more sustainable, as clearly they will get more business. The performance comparison is based on the ‘BICEPS Rating System’. This compares carriers on five themes concerning sustainable and effective shipping operations.


Stimulate the adoption of innovations by connecting demand & supply solutions


BICEPS Network initiates an active dialogue between shippers, carriers and


Walter Vermeer, Chairman BICEPS Network and Manager Category Procurement Logistics, FrieslandCampina (1st on the left) and Coen Faber, Board Member and Coordinator BICEPS Network (2nd from the right)


solution providers in order to boost the adoption of innovations, leverage best practices and to stimulate the implementation of cleaner technologies. The aim is to develop showcase projects in which the impact of the solution is proven technically, environmentally and economically, and involves all of the supply chain partners.


The first results are: • An established network of 8 European and US shippers which are stimulating sustainable performance by the procurement process (see current members https://bicepsnetwork.org/ about/).


• Involvement of the partners and solution providers, with several dialogues about adopting innovations such as fuel alternatives and onboard technologies.


• The development of a showcase biofuel pilot project. Together with the shippers from the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition, Shell and Maersk, a biofuel pilot was executed in 2019 in which a Triple E containership sailed from


Rotterdam to Shanghai and back on second-generation biofuel (up to 20% blend in). Afterwards more ocean carriers decided to have their containerships sail on biofuel, and Maersk developed the ECO Delivery product for shippers. A collaboration model for support of such innovations was developed, as well as a model for using a business case for innovations with options of carbon credits and finance mechanisms."


Finally, is the industry missing anything to make zero-emission transport happen?


Coen: “What is mainly missing is a supportive collaboration mechanism. If this mechanism is in place and with a collaborative mindset of the players involved in the shipping sector, we could then work together on the development of an ‘Innovation Agenda’ for the decarbonisation of the shipping sector in the next 5-20 years.”


www.bicepsnetwork.org


16 report


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