Global Climate News

In Latin America, there has been a rapid increase in zero-emission public transport projects. Santiago has 2,480 electric buses and plans to add 1,200 more by 2025, while Bogotá has decided to allow only zero-emission buses in its BRT system from 2022 and already has 1,486 electric buses. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), through the ZEBRA initiative, supported two pilot projects in Medellín's transport system between February and May 2023, focusing on addressing technological, organizational, and regulatory challenges in scaling electric bus services.

The UK Office for National Statistics has released real-time indicators tracking various energy and transportation metrics including shipping activity, automotive fuel demand, electricity prices, gas prices, and flight numbers. The data provides daily and weekly insights into energy consumption patterns and transportation activities across Great Britain and the UK.

The European Commission has released a study showing that the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) requires significant climate adaptation investments. The study warns of 30-fold increase in heatwaves and more frequent extreme weather events by century's end, recommending implementation of climate risk assessments and a tracking system to monitor cross-border projects' progress and climate-related challenges.

\"Finnish Wärtsilä Gas Solutions signed a three-year service agreement with GasLog LNG Services, a Greek fleet owner, to optimize liquefaction operations for five 180,000 m3 LNG carrier vessels. The agreement includes technical support, spare parts, and field service personnel, reducing emissions and cargo losses.\"

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation and Tornion Voima, a subsidiary of EPV Energy, are building a new 43-megawatt engine power plant in Tornio. The plant, scheduled for commissioning in February 2026, will be Finland’s first to provide balancing capacity to the power system, ensuring electricity production during disturbances and varying weather conditions. Wärtsilä will be responsible for construction from spring 2025 until completion.

Finnish Wärtsilä Corporation will supply a complete propulsion package for a 38,000 DWT methanol-ready cement carrier vessel owned by NovaAlgoma, a joint venture between Nova Marine Group and Algoma Central Corporation. The ship is being built at Zhejiang Xinle Shipbuilding Co.,Ltd, and is expected to be launched in late 2026. The Wärtsilä scope of supply includes two Wärtsilä 32 engines, one Wärtsilä 25 auxiliary engine, and other equipment scheduled for delivery starting November 2025.

UK-based Lyme Bay Fisherman's CIC has received a £140,000 grant from the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme for cooperation activities and marketing. The organization, representing fishers across four ports, has developed initiatives including a seafood trail, schools outreach program, and produced a film "The Last Custodians" to support sustainable local fishing communities and maintain employment for 47 fisher members.

Vietnam-based CMA CGM Group has developed a zero-emission inland waterway transport solution featuring a 100% electric barge powered by batteries and a solar farm at Gemalink terminal. The e-barge will transport goods between Binh Duong and Cai Mep, achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding 778 tons of CO2 annually. NIKE has committed to using this e-barge for transporting its products, supporting CMA CGM's goal of Net Zero Carbon by 2050 and promoting decarbonization of maritime activity.

UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of five Rotor Sails on Vale's 400,000 dwt Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) Sohar Max, making it the largest wind propulsion project to date. The project, completed at COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China, involves 35m tall, 5m diameter Rotor Sails with a folding deployment system. The installation is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 6% and cut carbon emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually.