Despite economic and geopolitical difficulties global commitments, the maritime industry's commitment to decarbonise the sector continues to be relevant. This is highlighted by the second edition of the "Global Maritime Decarbonisation Survey", the survey carried out by the non-profit organization Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), the initiative launched in 2021 by the Port Authority of Singapore together with partners maritime industry with the aim of supporting the decarbonisation of shipping, and by the company American consulting Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The survey, which involved 114 shipowners and operators and was carried out before the meeting of April of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which approved a Draft regulation on the decarbonisation of the maritime industry ( of the 11th April 2025), highlighted that currently 77% of respondents consider achieving the goal of zero net emissions a top priority in its strategy, up from 73% in the survey of two years ago. The GCMD highlighted that the results of the last meeting MEPC, which introduced new regulatory targets and incentives, are expected to strengthen the ambitions of maritime operators in decarbonisation, accelerating the momentum of their strategies.

The second survey shows that 60% of respondents have set targets for achieving net zero emissions compared to 54% in the first survey, and that the use of fuels has more than doubled to 46%, while the use of methanol as a fuel increased by 3% at 6%. On the other hand, the adoption of technologies continues to be limited such as ammonia, propulsion systems wind turbines, solar panels, superlight ships and lubrication air.

GCMD specified that the survey also found that the calls for the introduction of policies and legislation aimed at create a level playing field, with almost three-quarters of the respondents who have identified in compliance measures or financial incentives the most important policy objectives Important. A level playing field - observed the GCMD - ensure that the first operators to take measures to ensure the are not disadvantaged in terms of costs and that stakeholders with limited resources can benefit from a financial support to overcome economic barriers.

The survey also involved the port world, with the majority of respondents who answered that they had roadmap and teams focused on initiatives to facilitate the decarbonization of shipping and with all ports contacted, namely Antwerp-Zeebrugge, Long Beach, New York - New Jersey, Rotterdam and Singapore, which offer incentives to promote the decarbonization. The survey revealed that the ports are particularly concerned by the lack of certainty about the demand from shipping companies and in relation to low-carbon fuels and capture systems of carbon on board. Uncertainty that prevents ports from taking investment decisions to develop infrastructure necessary, even if it is envisaged that the charging mechanism of greenhouse gases will strengthen demand for of low-carbon fuels.

'Positive developments in maritime policy, in particular IMO further tightening the limits greenhouse gas emissions, together with the growing ambitions expressed by the interviewees - commented Sanjay C Kuttan, chief strategy officer of the GCMD - are encouraging signs. Will Greater cooperation with ports and their stakeholders along the different value chains to address the challenges of wider ecosystem challenges. With the right investments and With collaborative initiatives, the maritime industry can charting the course towards a future in which decarbonisation and commercial success can coexist." 'The recent results of the MEPC - added Anand Veeraraghavan, BCG CEO and Senior Partner - represent a a fundamental step forward, consolidating the signs of growth in the with incentives for exceeding the objectives of compliance and sanction mechanisms for non-compliance Objectives. Now is the time for the industry, both for the ships and ports, to exploit this momentum".