Decarbonising logistics: our strategic imperative
Decarbonisation of the shipping industry is a strategic imperative embedded across Maersk. Our goal is to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040, with targets aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) 1.5°C pathway.
In 2024, Maersk became the first company in the shipping industry to have its climate targets validated by the SBTi, aligning with the 1.5°C pathway for 2030 and the 2040 net-zero standard. Read more about our science based targets and our climate transition plan in the Annual Report.
A strong, global regulatory framework, with measures to effectively reduce GHG emissions, is urgently required to deliver on these ambitions. We are working closely with key stakeholders, urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to set ambitious targets and adopt robust policies to support this critical transition. These policies must secure decarbonisation across the entire shipping sector and incentivise the scaling of green fuel/energy production and infrastructure.
Need for strong IMO leadership to decarbonise global shipping
Maersk is actively advocating at the IMO for ambitious, proportional, and enforceable mid-term measures, including marine fuel standard and a global carbon pricing mechanism.
2025 is a pivotal year for the industry as the IMO is expected to approve these measures in April and October meetings. In Maersk’s view, this regulation should close the cost gap between fossil and green fuels, accelerate the shipping sector’s energy transition. The outcomes and ambition level of these decisions can also potentially have a significant impact on the pace and scale of the global shipping industry’s energy transition, as well as our customers’ capacity to act on commitments to decarbonise Ocean shipping.
Maersk actively supports effective mid-term measures and works towards measures that secure a multi-fuel future for shipping, and a just and equitable transition for all countries.
The IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) is set for review in 2026, and depending on the outcome, it could further influence the energy transition through 2030.
Charting the course to a climate neutral continent
At the EU level, Maersk has called for the full implementation of the “Fit for 55” legislative package, which includes the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Maersk has pushed for the inclusion of shipping and in the future container terminals in the ETS and advocated for an end-date for fossil fuel-only newbuild vessels. These measures should bridge the cost gap between green and fossil fuels and accelerate the energy transition across the shipping sector. On land side transportation, Maersk is working for robust EU legislation to promote electrification of road transportation.
The regulatory landscape and its impact on our customers’ transport choices has profound importance for our ability to shift to green fuels. 2024 saw the inclusion of shipping to the EU ETS, a market-based mechanism designed to reduce GHG emissions in the EU. Another strong driver will be the new FuelEU Maritime legislation, which comes into force in 2025 and introduces increasingly stricter limits on GHG intensity for ships calling on European ports.
At the same time, FuelEU Maritime is complicated, with numerous definitions, compliance requirements, and mechanisms that introduce considerable complexity. Implementing a regional standard for fuels purchased and consumed in international trade creates challenges and inconsistencies. Maersk therefore advocates for a global legislation through the IMO to create a level playing field for all states.
Responsible ship recycling as important as ever in view of decarbonisation efforts by industry
As a responsible shipowner, Maersk’s ambition is to ensure safe and responsible recycling of our vessels at their end-of-life, benefiting workers, the environment, responsible yards, and shipowners. Globally, there is an urgent need for safe, financially viable and responsible recycling practices to meet the growing demand for large vessel recycling – especially for larger post-Panamax vessels. By leveraging these retiring assets, the shipping industry can also contribute to decarbonising the global steel value chain. As an industry leader and a significant owner of steel assets, we recognise our responsibility to drive positive impact.
Maersk has developed its own Responsible Ship Recycling Standard (RSRS), setting heightened standards on Health & Safety, Environment, Anti-corruption, Subcontractors and Labour and Human Rights. Maersk has worked closely with different yards across the world and, notably in Alang, India, on implementing the RSRS when recycling a Maersk vessel.
Maersk actively collaborates with stakeholders to foster a supportive regulatory environment, addressing the critical capacity challenges required to meet growing demands for responsible ship recycling. Advocating for effective policies to accelerate responsible ship recycling remains a key priority for Maersk.
We also work to create global opportunities for responsible post-Panamax ship recycling, where recycling capacity shortfalls can only be addressed through global consensus on the approval of more yards with appropriate safety and environmental standards.
Finally, Maersk welcomes the entry into force of the IMO’s Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. However, since its adoption over a decade ago, the ship recycling industry has undergone a substantial modernisation and Maersk consequently calls on the IMO to immediately start a revision and update of the Hong Kong Convention.
