Op-Ed: Let’s focus on the fact that shipping companies are greener than their reputation

Rene Christensen

If you only follow the headlines in the media, you could easily get the impression that the green transition of shipping has stalled. Fortunately, this is not the case. Admittedly, the negotiations at the IMO in 2025 ended without the breakthrough many had hoped for, because the countries could not agree on key issues. However, it’s not as simple as that. While major political compromises are still a long way off, progress is actually being made within the shipping industry.

A good example is the latest meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), which took place at the end of April. Work on the global climate framework for shipping continued here, and new working group meetings have been scheduled for 2026 to help bring countries closer to reaching an agreement. At the same time, concrete steps have been taken that will affect the day-to-day operations of shipping companies. For instance, the IMO approved new technical guidelines for measuring methane and nitrous oxide emissions from ship engines, as well as new frameworks for engines using alternative fuels, such as ammonia, methanol, and ethanol.

But shipping companies are also making an effort. When I speak to shipping companies around the world, it’s clear that they recognize the need for shipping to contribute to the green transition. They realize that they can only reduce the emissions they are aware of. Until now, too many decisions have been based on calculations, averages and assumptions, which are often uncertain and misleading. However, I can sense a growing realization that, if we are serious about reducing CO2, NOx, SOx, black carbon and methane emissions, we must measure what ships actually emit.

Just two years ago, we often encountered hesitation when the conversation turned to advanced measurement equipment that can give shipowners an overview of emissions. Today, we encounter greater curiosity, a willingness to invest and a concrete demand for valid data. Shipping companies are well aware that the requirements are becoming stricter. They also realize that they cannot optimize what they cannot document.

During the debate, shipping companies are sometimes depicted as being opposed to the green transition. I do not recognize that portrayal. While some are further ahead than others, I generally meet shipowners who want to be partners and understand that sustainability and business go hand in hand.

When a shipping company invests in real-time emissions monitoring technology for its ships, it’s not just about complying with regulations. It is also about acquiring a tool that can be used for operational purposes. Better data can help to optimize engine operation, reduce fuel consumption, and pinpoint the most effective ways to cut emissions. This benefits both the climate and the company’s finances.

This is why the IMO’s new focus on measurement and data is important. It is also positive that the IMO is launching a new global study of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Future climate decisions must be based on solid data.

I am not claiming that there are no challenges. Disagreements remain over CO2 taxes, financing, and the distribution of the global transition burdens, but these are political issues.

Shipping companies are generally moving in the right direction, so let us focus on that. They are investing more in solutions that enable them to document and reduce their emissions. The process of transitioning to a greener shipping industry is not yet complete. Far from it. However, it is certainly not standing still. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum, build on the progress being made and ensure that future regulations are based on reliable data rather than uncertain assumptions.

Rene B. Christensen is the CEO for Green Instruments in Denmark.