Maritime transport is the primary means by which more than 80% of globally traded goods are transported. However, ship voyages, which are directly linked to multiple supply chains, are estimated to account for between 2% and 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions , according to a United Nations (UN) report , but this figure could rise to 17% by 2050 if stricter controls are not implemented, given that it is estimated that by that year the volume of trade could more than double.

Clearly, global alarms have been sounded. For this reason, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) , the United Nations body that regulates maritime transport, has set on its agenda a 20% reduction in maritime transport emissions by 2030, a 70% reduction by 2040 , taking 2008 as a reference, as well as achieving net zero emissions by 2050. In this sense, a large part of this effort will require shipping companies to modernize their fleets and adopt low-carbon solutions.

In this industry, it is known that ships are long-lived, that is, they can reach an average life of 25 years, “so some are too old to be refurbished and at the same time too new to be withdrawn from the market,” according to CEPSA , a global company focused on sustainable mobility and energy.

The same UN study states that the transition of the maritime sector could reach costs of between eight and twenty billion dollars (mdd) annually to decarbonize ships by 2050. Regarding the development of infrastructure, investments could even reach 90 billion dollars annually.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has mentioned in its climate change analysis that the shipping sector is taking steps to reduce emissions. For example, shippers have placed orders for more than 200 dual-methanol vessels (a viable fuel for a transition to decarbonisation). In addition, trials are also underway with engines capable of sailing on other so-called green fuels, such as ammonia.

However, the WEF notes that methanol and other zero-emission fuels are already in short supply, and the current outlook for supply projects is worrying: more than 95% of maritime fuel project plans have not yet reached the final investment decision (FID), necessary for construction to begin.

Specialists have agreed that the decarbonization initiatives of this industry must involve…

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The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has called for resilience and sustainability in global supply chains amid growing trade disruptions.

During the recent Global Supply Chain Forum held in Bridgetown, Barbados, the urgent need to decarbonize global maritime transportation was emphasized as a key response to geopolitical tensions and climate change.

Rebeca Grynspan, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Trade and Development, along with other speakers and authorities, underscored the urgency of transforming global production and distribution networks to be more inclusive and sustainable.

Authorities highlighted that global conflicts such as wars and pandemics have increased the number of days ships spend at sea, raising greenhouse gas emissions and exposing the unreliability of the current interconnected system.

Decarbonizing maritime transport was the central theme of the event, focusing on transitioning to low or zero-carbon fuels. Additionally, discussions revolved around the need to establish safety frameworks for these new fuels and develop tools to assess port readiness to handle various energy sources.

An important point was the launch of the “Manifesto for Low-Carbon, Efficient, and Resilient Intermodal Freight Transport and Logistics,” advocating for urgent transformation to meet global climate goals.

The forum brought together over a thousand participants, including senior UN officials, ministers from various countries, and representatives from the shipping industry and port authorities. All agreed that ports play a crucial role in the sustainability of global value chains through the adoption of sustainable technology and practices. Barbados was highlighted as an example of best practices for other small island developing states.

It was also emphasized that small island developing states, particularly vulnerable to climate change, face additional challenges in transportation infrastructure. Ministers from these countries called for increased investment in green and sustainable technologies and urged international financial institutions to prioritize funding for projects promoting resilience and sustainability in the transportation sector.

Furthermore, the importance of digital solutions in strengthening the resilience of the global supply chain was highlighted. UNCTAD introduced guidelines for the development of a single electronic window for trade, emphasizing the need for ports to become intermodal centers with integrated energy and digital capabilities.

The forum also served as a platform to promote innovation and youth collaboration. UNCTAD’s first Supply Chain Innovation Challenge attracted proposals from around the world, showcasing innovative solutions to make supply chains more eco-friendly, efficient, and resilient.

It was announced that Saudi Arabia will host the second forum in 2026, reflecting its commitment to enhancing global supply chains and positioning itself as a leading logistics center.

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