Investment standoff threatens 90% of global goods movement
Maritime transport handles nearly all international commerce and this decarbonization impasse could soon trigger higher freight rates.
Shipping’s decarbonisation push is being held back by an investment standoff between ports and ship operators, raising risks for fuel transition timelines and global trade, according to Adria Jover, President & Founder of IEMA - International Electric Maritime Association.
The sector faces a mutual delay in decision-making, with “ports… waiting for ship owners and fleet operators to decide,” whilst operators wait for ports to provide fuel bunkering and shore power. This hesitation is slowing the rollout of critical infrastructure needed to cut emissions.
The financial burden is unavoidable. Jover said “everyone will have to make some compromise and will require some haircuts,” with both capital and operating costs expected to rise over the next 25 years. These pressures could affect margins and eventually feed into freight rates if not managed efficiently.
At the same time, timing is becoming a competitive factor. “The later you get on board… the more chances you have to remain less competitive and lose traction,” he said, warning that delayed adoption could weaken market positioning.
Despite infrastructure gaps, efficiency technologies are delivering immediate gains. Fuel savings can range from “barely 15% up to 40% if we add a multi-layered solution,” supported by tools such as air lubrication and wind-assisted propulsion. These systems offer a return on investment of “between three to five years,” reinforcing their near-term viability.
Combined with alternative fuels and shore power, these measures could support “a potential 30% reduction in the worldwide fleet” by the end of the decade. However, scaling alternative fuels will depend on coordinated action across regions.
Jover stressed that “solutions come collectively,” pointing to the need for joint planning between ports and governments. In Southeast Asia, hubs such as Singapore, Busan, Ningbo, and Shanghai are leading efforts to align infrastructure and operations.
Green corridors are emerging as a practical solution, enabling coordinated fuel supply, route planning, and cost control across shipping routes. Without alignment, progress may stall. “If the port of Tokyo is not in sync with the port of Sydney, it will be very difficult to see any tangible progress,” Jover said.
The stakes are high. Maritime transport accounts for “between 85% to 90%” of global goods movement, meaning delays in decarbonisation could disrupt supply chains and increase costs.
As pressure to cut emissions intensifies, the industry’s ability to coordinate investment across ports and fleets will determine whether it can reduce emissions without driving up costs or losing competitiveness.
