Is green shipping all plain sailing?

In April, the International Maritime Organisation held the 83rd session of its Environment Protection Committee, where it established a system of penalties and rewards to advance shipping decarbonisation. This follows 2023 industry commitments to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030. 

Alasdair speaks with Simon Bullock about whether the recent agreement is strong enough to meet climate goals and explores practical actions that can be taken now without relying on greenwashing, expensive infrastructure, or scarce biofuels. 

Simon Bullock is an interdisciplinary climate change Research Associate at the Tyndall Centre, University of Manchester. He recently completed his doctorate, with his thesis focusing on "Accelerating shipping's climate change transition, and the role of UK shore power. 

Further reading:  

Ten ways to cut shipping’s contribution to climate change, The Conversation, 2021 

Update on the latest International Maritime Organization climate meeting, The Conversation, 2025 

The need for action now on shipping and climate, Climate Policy, 2025 

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