The pathway to green shipping

In the Paris climate agreement, it was agreed to keep the rise in global temperature to well below two degrees Celsius. To achieve this, greenhouse gas emissions must be significantly reduced. The global transport industry also has its part to play in this. Today, it accounts for around 17 percent of total emissions. The shipping industry's share has been rising for several years. 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has therefore developed a strategy to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The goal is to reduce emissions from the shipping industry by 50 percent by 2050.

In our English-language study "The pathway to green shipping," we outline the IMO's starting position and strategy with regard to the emission reductions described. We present in detail important steps on the way to making shipping more sustainable and climate-friendly:

• Development of alternative fuels for international shipping
• Implementing digital technologies to increase efficiency
• Increasing transparency
• Impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
• CO2 pricing as a short-term measure
• Integrating sustainability into the business model of shipping companies

As part of the regulatory framework, the IMO has developed new mandatory regulations that require companies to reduce CO2 emissions through technical and operational measures and to meet requirements to measure and assess the energy efficiency of all ships.

"The pathway to green shipping" provides insight into developments to date, highlighting the regulations in place and the current debates surrounding more sustainable shipping. The publication also takes an in-depth look at the relevance of ESG to the business model of shipping companies. 

In order to comply with IMO regulations as well as investor expectations or to attract the attention of potential investors, ship owners and operators should incorporate the relevant ESG aspects into their business models.