By Ch Off Jasneet, MT SEVERN
The ships set sail, the waves do crash,
But carbon fumes—oh, what a splash!
The world says, “Hey, let’s go green!”
But ships are like, “What do you mean?”
“Hydrogen? Solar? I’m all for it,
But I love my diesel—don’t you quit!”
The captain sighs, “This ship’s too old,
Let’s just pretend we’ve turned to gold.”
The IMO’s like, “Let’s go, folks, let’s act!
Fifty percent cut—that’s the pact!”
The ships all groan, they barely cope,
“Can’t we just put a ‘green’ sticker on the rope?”
Politicians talk, and talk, and talk,
While ships just sail, and gently squawk.
“Green shipping’s fine, but who’ll pay the toll?
I’m already maxed out on my fishing pole!”
The EU says, “We’ll tax you, don’t fear.
Your carbon’s high—so step right here!”
But some countries say, “Let’s slow the roll—
We don’t even own a recycling bowl!”
Meanwhile in labs, engineers cheer,
“Let’s put a windmill on the ship, my dear!”
They try it out, the sails are grand,
But now the ship’s drifting into land.
Hydrogen’s ready, ammonia too,
But wait—the ship’s now turning blue.
“Whoops! Forgot the fuel’s a bit too weird—
Let’s go back to diesel… oh, how we’ve veered!”
Autonomous ships? They’re all the rage,
Sailing themselves right off the stage.
“Wait, someone’s controlling the wheel?”
“No—I’m sure this ship knows how to feel!”
Ports are green, the docks are bright,
Solar panels shining in the night.
But the crew’s still napping, taking a break:
“Green ships are cool… but I need a steak!”
So here’s the plan: we must unite—
Get ships to sail, and do it right.
A little less talk, a little more action,
And maybe one less tax deduction!
So let’s not fret—we’ll find a way,
To save the seas, starting today.
With hydrogen, wind, and solar sails,
We’ll laugh all the way to the shipping trails!
But for now, dear ships, let’s be clear:
We’re still in the “trying” phase, my dear.
With politics, tech, and maybe a snack—
We’ll get there… as soon as we unpack!
About the author:
C/O Jasneet Singh – MT SEVERN
Jasneet Singh currently serves as Chief Officer on the MT SEVERN, where he oversees cargo operations, navigational planning, and crew coordination on board a product tanker. With over a decade of seafaring experience, Jasneet’s career has been defined by a steady progression through the ranks and a deep appreciation for the challenges and quiet reflections that life at sea offers.
From stormy midnights to sunrise watches, he sees the ocean not merely as a workplace but as a place of continuous learning—one that has shaped his leadership, resilience, and sense of perspective. Off-watch, Jasneet is drawn to maritime literature and emerging innovations in the shipping world, often reflecting on how seafaring continues to shape the person he is becoming.
