Maritime Transport Targets for "Net-Zero Emissions": The Green Transition of Ta-Ho Maritime Corp.

Alan Shieh｜President of Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation

Shipping Industry: Pioneers in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development

As climate change intensifies and environmental awareness grows, the shipping industry is taking greater responsibility for energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainability. Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation (THMC), a subsidiary of TCC Group Holdings, is fully committed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s net-zero policies. THMC strives to protect marine ecosystems and contribute to sustainability, while also optimizing its environmental protection efforts, social inclusion, and corporate governance (ESG) goals. In response to international regulations and market competition, THMC has implemented concrete actions to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and advance toward a sustainable future.

Sustainability Development and Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction Plans of THMC

Since its establishment, Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation (THMC) has prioritized environmental protection and sustainable development, implementing a series of energy conservation and carbon reduction measures to meet international standards, with the aim to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. The 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) in July this year further advanced the 2050 GHG reduction target to achieving net-zero emissions, with interim targets of at least a 20% reduction by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040. Additionally, by 2030, at least 5% of the energy used by international ships must come from zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies or fuels.

THMC has conducted assessments, researched net-zero emission fuels and technologies, retrofitted existing ships with energy-saving devices, and invested in new eco-friendly ships to establish a stable clean fuel and green supply chain. Furthermore, THMC will optimize ship management operations, enhance ship maintenance, and provide technical training and environmental awareness education for crew and shore staff. Digital intelligent management and monitoring systems have also been installed to track real-time ship emissions and regularly review emission reduction progress. THMC actively participates in international organizations, collaborating with classification societies and flag states to ensure compliance with the latest regulations and flexibly adjust strategies for achieving a sustainable future in shipping.

Promoting Energy Conservation & Carbon Reduction Achievements

In recent years, Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation (THMC) has actively renewed its fleet to promote energy conservation and carbon reduction. The first batch of new eco-friendly bulk carriers—TAHO ASIA, TAHO EUROPE, TAHO AMERICA, and TAHO AUSTRALIA—were delivered in 2018. With the full support of TCC Group Holdings Chairman Nelson Chang, THMC delivered two new eco-friendly cement carriers, TAHO OCEANIA and TAHO AFRICA, and the second batch of three eco-friendly bulk carriers—TAHO EUDAIMONIA, TAHO VIRTUE, and TAHO CIRCULAR—between 2019 and 2022. Additionally, the energy-saving eco-friendly cement carrier, MV TAHO COMPLIANCE, will be launched in January 2025, while the third batch of two eco-friendly bulk carriers is expected in October 2025 and August 2026. The addition of these new ships strengthens THMC's fleet, improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing competitiveness.

The continuous energy conservation and carbon reduction actions lay a solid foundation for Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation (THMC)'s sustainable development:

Ship Technology Upgrades

THMC invests in new energy-saving ships (Tier III, Phase III) and upgrades existing ships with energy-saving devices (ESD) to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. For example, TAHO AMERICA installed a ducted propeller and PBCF this year, estimated to reduce fuel consumption by 2-3%. Using low-resistance paint to prevent marine growth attachment can save fuel and improve navigation efficiency. All ships use LED lighting (e.g., cargo holds, masts, engine rooms, living quarters) to enhance energy-saving effects.

 

Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) System

 

THMC has installed the AMP system on two cement carriers, TAHO OCEANIA, and TAHO AFRICA, connecting to shore facilities in port berthing for power usage to avoid carbon emissions and air pollution from burning fuel. As of October 15, 2024, the power from Hoping Port has been used at 1,767.4 GWh, reducing 886.31 tons CO₂e.

 

Optimizing Maritime Route

In collaboration with ClassNK, THMC introduced the NAPA Fleet Intelligence monitoring system, which will continuously collect ship operating data and combine it with water level data to propose the most environmentally friendly routes, ensuring that the carbon intensity index (CII) will always be maintained at the best level of A, exceeding IMO regulations by 24.7%.

Compliance with International Environmental Regulations

Since 2020, THMC has followed the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), limiting the sulfur content of ship fuel to 0.5%, and reducing sulfur oxide emissions. Rated by the RightShip, the international professional ship assessment agency, THMC maintains high-efficiency ship carbon reduction and sustainable and safe ship management, achieving DOC 5 stars (the highest honor in ship management). 

 

THMC also won the third National Enterprise Environmental Protection Award and has been qualified for the Qualship 21 program conducted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), which less than 20% of foreign ships operating in the U.S. are qualified. The Liberian Registry also commended THMC for the outstanding port state control performance.

Employee Training

THMC regularly trains all crew and shore staff on environmental protection and energy conservation & carbon reduction to ensure every employee understands and practices the corporation's environmental management policies. THMC has obtained ISO14001 & 14064 certifications and will introduce ISO 14067 and ISO 50001.

Proactively Aligning with International Clients

TCC Group Holdings Chairman Nelson Chang once said, 'We are on the right path, and we are not alone.' He emphasized that 'carbon reduction and economic development can go hand in hand.' Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation (THMC) has endeavored to strictly follow TCC Group's global carbon reduction and green development strategy, valuing international clients' emphasis on sustainable development. THMC will continue to conduct new energy-saving eco-friendly ship projects to meet international clients' needs for energy-efficient ships. For existing ships, THMC also adopts multiple eco-friendly energy-saving designs to expand energy-saving effects and help clients achieve GHG reduction targets.

THMC also participates in various international environmental organizations and associations, regularly attending related meetings and seminars to ensure its strategies and measures meet international standards. Through these actions, THMC has not only achieved significant results in environmental protection and energy conservation and carbon reduction but has enhanced its market competitiveness, gaining high recognition from international clients and winning more business opportunities. Customers are all well-known international corporations including mining companies, agricultural product exporters, and energy firms.

Future Outlook: Creating a Green Future with the International Shipping Community

Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation (THMC) will continue to promote sustainable development and energy conservation & carbon reduction, aiming to achieve the International Maritime Organization's 2050 net-zero GHG emissions target. THMC believes we can contribute to global environmental protection and climate change challenges through constant efforts and innovation. We firmly believe that only by collaborating with international shipping organizations and peers can we reach a win-win situation for environmental protection and economic development, creating a bright and sustainable green future for the shipping industry.

AUTHOR

Alan Shieh｜President of Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation

Member of RINA Asia Decarbonization Committee
Director, the National & Taipei Shipowners’ Association
IMO STCW Convention INFO Report Auditor, MOTC
Seafarers' Training Auditor, Ministry of Education