Green Shipping and Low Carbon

1. IMO Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets

Timeline	Reduction Target (vs. 2008)	Measures
2030	Reduce carbon intensity by 40%	Improve energy efficiency + use alternative fuels
2040	Reduce total emissions by 70%	Large-scale use of zero-carbon fuels
2050	Net-zero emissions	Full adoption of zero-carbon fuels and technologies

2. Key Current IMO Carbon Emission Regulations

Regulation	Content	Impact
Mediterranean ECA in Force (2025)	Sulfur emission limit in the Mediterranean reduced to 0.10%	Vessels must switch to low-sulfur fuel or install scrubbers
CII Rating Upgrade	Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings for vessels tightened	Lower-rated vessels may be required to slow down or undergo retrofitting
EU ETS Expansion	EU Emissions Trading System extended to cover maritime shipping	China → Europe routes require the purchase of carbon emission allowances (will add a certain amount to transport costs)

3. Container Industry Response

Response Measure	Current Status	Outlook
LNG-Powered Container Ships	Deployed by CMA CGM / MSC	Transitional solution; projected to account for 20% of newbuilds by 2030
Methanol / Ammonia Fuels	Maersk's first methanol-powered vessel already in operation	Long-term solution, but infrastructure is insufficient
Shore Power Systems	Established at major ports	Vessels use shore power while in port
Slow Steaming	Reduced from 23 knots to 18 knots	Cuts fuel consumption by 30%, but increases transit time
Green Container Leasing	Offered by some container owners	Eco-friendly material containers (e.g., bamboo flooring)

Data Note: Emission reduction targets are cited from IMO MEPC resolutions; EU ETS policy is sourced from the Official Journal of the European Union. Data current as of July 2026.

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