THE DECARBONISATION OF THE MARITIME TRANSPORT SECTOR: ASSESSING THE TRANSITION AND SYSTEMIC BARRIERS

Abstract

The maritime transport sector, plays a significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions, contributing approximately 2.9% of global emissions and 3-4% within the EU (European Commission, 2024). Achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is a critical goal for the European Union, necessitating substantial decarbonisation efforts in the maritime sector, which is categorised as a 'hard-to-abate' (HTA) sector due to its inherent challenges in reducing emissions (Cabot & Villavicencio, 2022). This study explores the current state of the transition towards decarbonisation within the maritime transport sector, with a specific focus on deep sea freight and bulk shipping. It addresses the complexity of achieving decarbonisation goals set by the European Union and examines the systemic barriers hindering this transition. The research employs a combination of the X-curve framework and the Mission-Oriented Innovation System (MIS) approach to analyse the state of the transition and identify the core barriers and their underlying causes. The methodology involves qualitative research, including desk research and ten extensive semistructured interviews with industry- and policy experts. The research uncovers that while there is significant experimentation with sustainable practices and some progress in adopting alternative fuels, the transition is still in its early stages. Major barriers identified include high costs of alternative fuels, the lack of a level playing field, and low societal visibility of the sector’s environmental impact. Additionally, the conservative nature of the maritime sector and insufficient short-term regulatory obligations contribute to a slow pace of change. The findings suggest that while the regulatory frameworks like the FuelEU Maritime Regulation have spurred progress, they are not yet ambitious enough to drive the sector towards rapid decarbonisation. The study concludes that stronger regulatory measures, increased economic incentives, and a shift in industry culture are essential to overcoming the identified barriers and accelerating the transition towards a sustainable maritime transport sector. This research contributes to the existing body of literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the maritime sector's decarbonisation efforts and highlighting the systemic challenges that need to be addressed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.