The maritime industry is going through rapid changes. With global pressure mounting to cut carbon emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious course through its 2023 Revised GHG Strategy: reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in international shipping by or around 2050. This bold commitment is reshaping ship design, propulsion technology, and operational practices, marking the dawn of a new era in green shipping and marine decarbonization.
Shipping currently accounts for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions. The urgency to decarbonize is not only regulatory but also economic and reputational. Forward-looking shipowners who invest early in sustainable shipping technologies are positioning themselves as leaders in a market that values both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The IMO GHG Strategy provides a clear framework for this transition, to be operationalized by the upcoming IMO Net-Zero Framework (2027), which will introduce binding measures. The strategy sets intermediate emission-reduction targets compared to 2008 levels:
- At least 20% by 2030 (striving for 30%)
- At least 70% by 2040 (striving for 80%)
Existing rules such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) are already in force, with updates to MARPOL Annex VI placing added responsibility on shipowners. Beyond these, the IMO is preparing to implement the Well-to-Wake GHG Intensity Standard (WTW), along with lifecycle fuel assessments and market-based measures such as carbon pricing, to drive faster adoption of clean propulsion solutions.
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One of the most critical aspects of compliance will be managing GHG Intensity (WTW). This measure of emissions per transport work is central to the IMO’s performance standards. Companies that fail to comply risk penalties and operational restrictions, while those that leverage digital tools for emissions monitoring, reporting, and optimization can turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
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The technological pathways to decarbonization are diverse. Zero-emission marine fuels—such as ammonia, methanol, and green hydrogen—are steadily gaining momentum, while hybrid propulsion systems combining conventional engines with batteries or electric motors offer immediate reductions in emissions, especially during port operations.
At the same time, energy efficiency upgrades are proving equally critical. Propeller retrofits, advanced control systems, and frequency converters can dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions—without the need to build a new ship. Retrofitting existing vessels provides a highly sustainable way to improve performance, as operational profiles are already known and can be optimized with precision. Even changing propeller blades or updating software can yield significant savings while extending vessel lifecycles.
For example, controllable pitch propellers (CPPs) are a proven solution that allow dynamic adjustment of blade pitch to ensure optimal propulsion efficiency and load matching. When combined with modern power management systems, these technologies give shipowners the tools to improve efficiency today while preparing for hybrid or alternative fuel adoption tomorrow.
The economic landscape is also shifting. Discussions around global carbon pricing for shipping and the IMO’s proposed Net Zero Fund underline the financial incentives for companies that act early. Although compliance introduces new costs, the benefits are substantial: enhanced charter appeal, access to green financing, and long-term operational resilience.
For shipowners and operators, preparation is key. Now is the time to audit fleet emissions, evaluate retrofit opportunities, explore hybrid propulsion, and train crews in energy-efficient practices. Those who move quickly will not only meet upcoming regulations but also secure early-mover advantages in a competitive market.
At Berg Propulsion, we are proud to play our part in this transformation. With over a century of expertise in marine engineering, we deliver advanced propulsion systems, hybrid technologies, and energy efficiency solutions—both for newbuilds and retrofits—that empower shipowners to thrive in the era of sustainable shipping. Whether through new systems or upgrades to existing vessels, we help customers achieve performance gains, reduce emissions, and extend vessel lifecycles sustainably.
Together with designers, operators, and partners worldwide, we are defining what efficient, reliable, and future-ready shipping looks like—today and tomorrow.
