Clearer waters for deep sea freight
Have you ever considered how many of the products we use daily are shipped across vast oceans to reach our shores? Shipping is responsible for 90% of global trade, supplying goods to virtually every industry. This provides businesses around the world with opportunities to expand trade in different countries. It also gives consumers greater access to a broader range of affordable goods. But this almost invisible method of transportation, which barely registers on the average person’s radar, comes at a cost.
International shipping is responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or roughly 1 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Deep sea shipping – cargo crossing continents – makes up the majority of this figure. According to Statista there are around 5,600 container ships serving global sea routes. These vessels are traditionally powered by diesel-electric propulsion, which contributes to air and sea pollution and threatens marine life. Without clean seas, planetary health suffers, too. The United Nations (UN) reports that the oceans generate half the oxygen we need while absorbing 30% of all carbon emissions. Humans simply cannot survive without healthy oceans.
In light of this, the shipping industry has been pushing hard to decarbonise. In April 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced their Net-Zero Framework following the organisation’s pledge for shipping to meet net zero by 2050. The framework combines mandatory limits on emissions and a global greenhouse gas pricing mechanism. The IMO says the new measures, which will be formally adopted in October 2025 and come into force in 2027, will be compulsory for large ships over 5,000 gross tonnage. These are the vessels that emit 85% of the total emissions from international shipping.
This important new framework is helping turn the tide, allowing companies across the shipping sector to innovate and investors to dive into new green shipping opportunities. Markets and Data project significant growth in the global green shipping technologies market from USD 22.31bn in 2024 to USD 140.74bn by 2032. Many industry leaders are already riding this wave.
Pioneering the clean fuel transition
In 2021, Fortescue, a global technology, energy and metals company, announced the Fortescue Green Pioneer.
Sailing in the cloud
The transition to green fuels is only one part of the story.
Future-proofing design with AI
Efficiency is crucial for the shipping industry to become more sustainable.
Zero-carbon ready shipping
Höegh Autoliners are setting a new environmental standard for Pure Car and Truck Carrier transport with their Aurora Class ships.
With major players like Fortescue and Höegh creating new blueprints for sustainable vessels, and data-driven innovators like AVEVA and BlueNose bringing advanced technology to market, it’s an exciting time for the shipping industry.
The wave of change is here and the fate of the ocean hanging in the balance. There’s no choice but full steam ahead.
