Why I Advocate for Decarbonisation in Shipping: A Call to Action from the Heart of the Industry

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here, and it is already transforming the way we live, work, and survive. From catastrophic floods to unbearable heatwaves, our planet is sending us a clear message: act now, or face irreversible consequences.

As someone deeply rooted in the maritime industry, I feel a personal and professional responsibility to drive change—especially in the shipping sector, which remains one of the world's largest, yet often overlooked, carbon emitters.

🌡️ The Present-Day Effects of Global Warming

Before we dive into why shipping matters in the fight against climate change, let’s take stock of what we’re witnessing already:

• Extreme Weather Events: From violent cyclones to parching droughts and raging wildfires, we are seeing natural disasters increase in frequency and intensity.

• Rising Sea Levels: Rapid glacial melting is contributing to sea-level rise, threatening low-lying cities, ports, and coastal communities.

• Disrupted Seasons: Traditional weather patterns are vanishing. Winters are shorter and erratic; summers are dangerously long and hot.

• Escalating Health Risks: The rising temperature brings with it a rise in heat-related illness, the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, and worsening respiratory conditions due to poor air quality.

• Water Crisis: Paradoxically, some places drown in floods while others dry up in long droughts, leaving millions without access to clean water or secure food supplies.
  

This is not a warning of what's to come. This is what we are living through today.

🚢 Why Shipping?

Many people ask, “Why focus on shipping? How much can decarbonising ships really help in solving global warming?”

Here’s the truth: shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions—a figure larger than the emissions of most countries.

• The shipping industry burns over 300 million tons of fuel annually, most of it heavy fuel oil (HFO), one of the dirtiest fossil fuels available.

• As global trade continues to grow, so will these emissions—unless we act decisively.

Despite being the backbone of international trade—responsible for transporting over 90% of global goods—the maritime industry has long lagged behind in climate action. It's time to change that narrative. It's time for us in the industry to lead, not follow.

🌱 Green Shipping: The Way Forward

Going green in shipping isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a comprehensive transformation of how we power, design, and operate our vessels and ports. Here’s how the industry can—and must—change:

1. Cleaner Fuels

• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Lower carbon footprint than HFO, and already gaining traction.

• Hydrogen & Ammonia: Zero-carbon fuels that are ideal for long-term transition, especially as renewable production scales up.

• Biofuels: A viable interim solution, offering reduced emissions without massive engine modifications.

2. Smart & Efficient Ship Designs

• Hull redesigns, air lubrication systems, and lighter materials help ships consume less fuel.

• Hybrid and electric propulsion systems are gradually being introduced, especially for short-haul and regional vessels.

3. AI-Powered Route Optimization

• Advanced analytics and weather-routing algorithms are helping ships reduce time at sea and unnecessary fuel burn.

• Better planning = lower emissions = lower costs.

4. Wind-Assisted Propulsion

• Technologies like rotor sails and kite sails are reviving wind power, providing substantial emission cuts without full reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Carbon Capture Technologies

• Onboard carbon capture systems are in development, allowing ships to trap CO₂ before it reaches the atmosphere.

6. Smart Ports & Electrification

• Shore power, automated cargo handling, and digital port management reduce idle emissions during docking and improve turnaround times.

🧭 The IMO’s Roadmap: Our Compass to Change

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has now set clear decarbonisation targets:

• Reduce total GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 (compared to 2008 levels).

• Achieve net-zero emissions around 2050.

These are not just numbers. These are lifelines. And every shipping company, port authority, and maritime professional must now align their course with this global mission.

💪 Why I Choose to Act

Change is hard. But complacency is fatal.

Why should we always wait for other industries—like automotive or aviation—to take the lead? Why should the shipping industry be a reluctant follower when we can be proud trailblazers?

By acting now, we not only safeguard our planet but also future-proof our industry:

• Early movers will gain technological and commercial advantage.

• Cleaner ships will become regulatory requirements—and preferred by cargo owners.

• Environmental responsibility is becoming an economic necessity.

🌊 Final Word: Be the Ripple That Starts the Wave

As someone who’s spent years within this industry, I can tell you—the tide is shifting.

I’m not just advocating for decarbonisation because it’s a trend. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do—for our oceans, our industry, and our children’s future.

If we can navigate the toughest seas, we can navigate this transition too. It starts with belief. It takes commitment.And it demands courage.

Let’s steer the shipping world toward a cleaner, greener, and more responsible horizon.

Join the movement. The ocean is watching. So is the future.