Arsenio
DominguezInternational
Maritime Organization
United
Kingdom
The global maritime industry is entering an era of unprecedented transition. Decarbonization, digitalization and the drive for diversity are compelling both governments and industry to rethink the future of maritime and reorient their approaches. In a changing world, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is taking the lead in bringing stakeholders together to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise. Now is a time for clear vision and bold action – which is why early movers in both public and private sectors are essential.
Setting a course towards net zero
Since the 2023 IMO Strategy for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (‘IMO GHG Strategy’) was adopted in July 2023, the momentum around green shipping has continued to accelerate. This is no small feat for an industry that has served as the very backbone of global trade for centuries, powered largely by fossil fuels.
The IMO GHG Strategy includes enhanced ambitions aligned with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, to reach net-zero GHG emissions from ships by or around, i.e. close to, 2050. Indicative checkpoints have been set for 2030 (to cut emissions from ships by at least 20%, striving for 30%) and 2040 (cut emissions by at least 70%, striving for 80%), in addition to 5% uptake of zero-emission fuels by ships by 2030.
Achieving those targets will require the commitment of all parties. Already, mandatory short-term measures have entered into force in 2023, setting out energy efficiency and carbon intensity requirements for all ships. Mid-term measures have been proposed, namely a global marine fuel standard and a pricing mechanism for ships’ GHG emissions. These are currently being discussed by Member States for potential adoption in 2025 and entry into force in 2027.
Implementation faces a range of challenges – such as availability of alternative fuels, their associated high costs, and the need to upskill seafarers to handle new fuels and green technology safely. The engagement of stakeholders across all sectors – from businesses to non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutions, ports, and governments – is crucial to supporting effective solutions.
That said, I am encouraged by the innovations already being pioneered by early movers, including those in the Baltic region. For instance, the recent establishment of the first ever green corridor on the Baltic Sea between Turku, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden with the goal of being 100% carbon-neutral by 2035, could provide key lessons for the wider sector.
Go green, go digital
The advancement of new technology brings with it valuable opportunities to boost the green transition, which the IMO is actively pursuing. Since 1 January 2024, all IMO Member States are required to use a one-stop digital platform or "Maritime Single Window" (MSW) to exchange key information while processing the arrival, stay and departure of ships at ports. MSWs greatly streamline procedures, boosting efficiency and reducing a ship’s “idling time” and GHG emissions.
The IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project has supported the development of “Just-In-Time” operations, which focuses on port call and speed optimization – timing the arrival of ships at berths to avoid waiting times, allow for less speed and prevent unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.
Norway has also produced the world’s first fully electric and autonomous container ship, with zero emissions – the Yara Birkeland. This shows the massive potential of merging decarbonization and new technology, while managing cyber risks and reskilling workers. IMO’s ongoing work to develop a legal instrument to regulate the operation of maritime autonomous surface ships (‘MASS Code’) touches on some of these aspects.
In the march towards digitalization, it is also important to ensure that developing countries, in particular, Least Developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are not excluded. This is why a number of IMO’s technical cooperation programmes focuses specifically on supporting LDCs and SIDs in their sustainable maritime development.
Supporting diversity at sea
IMO recognizes that equality for women means progress. Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth and companies with more women leaders perform better. However, shipping remains heavily male-dominated, with women making up less than a third of the overall maritime workforce and less than 2% of seafarers.
This needs to change. A concerted, systematic effort is required to make maritime work more attractive and supportive of women, through regulation, training, awareness-raising and culture change. IMO’s efforts include professional development and training through its Women in Maritime programme, as well as developing regulations for preventing and combatting violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
But more needs to be done. On a personal level, I have chosen to appoint a gender-balanced senior management team at the IMO Secretariat and refrain from participating in panels or events unless gender representation is respected. I encourage all to do the same.
Forging a future together
The maritime sector is at a crossroads where decarbonization, digitalization, and diversity converge. While the challenges they present are significant, it is also a moment of opportunity that calls for courage, creativity and tangible cooperation. I am confident IMO holds these foundations to take shipping forward to the next level.