Pathways to Sustainable Shipping under IMO Decarbonization Policies

The field of maritime affairs and policy is increasingly focused on addressing the significant environmental impact of global shipping, which contributes around 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken substantive steps by introducing targets for emission reduction, alongside regulatory instruments such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI). Despite these advancements, the sector grapples with entrenched challenges such as reliance on fossil-based fuels, the complexity of updating aging fleets, technological uncertainties, and persistent concerns over fairness and capacity disparities between developed and developing countries. Recent studies highlight both the successes and shortcomings of current regulatory frameworks, noting gaps in adoption rates, technological maturity, and the alignment between global and regional efforts. There is a pressing need for interdisciplinary research that unites policy analysis, technological innovation, and socio-economic assessments to map more effective and equitable pathways toward maritime decarbonization.This Research Topic aims to critically examine the strategies and solutions available to realize sustainable shipping under IMO decarbonization policies. Key objectives include evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory measures, investigating the potential of emerging alternative marine fuels, and assessing the socioeconomic repercussions of ambitious decarbonization targets. Contributors are encouraged to interrogate current market-based measures such as carbon pricing and emissions trading schemes, explore the role of technological advancements like digital emissions monitoring, and analyze how these frameworks interact with national and regional regulations. Of particular interest are studies addressing the equity dimensions of decarbonization, including differentiated impacts on developing nations, and empirical research on real-world implementation of novel solutions and policy instruments.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses a comprehensive assessment of global shipping’s decarbonization pathways, while focusing on practical barriers, policy innovations, and equity considerations. Submissions should relate specifically to the shipping industry and IMO-aligned decarbonization measures and not stray into unrelated climate policy domains. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Effectiveness of IMO regulatory measures (CII, EEXI, carbon pricing mechanisms)Development and deployment of alternative marine fuels (hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels)Market-based approaches such as carbon pricing and emissions trading in shippingLife cycle assessment methodologies for alternative fuels and vessel technologiesEconomic impacts and investment barriers in the transition to low- or zero-carbon fleetsGreen shipping corridors and pilot initiatives for decarbonized maritime transportOpportunities and challenges for a just transition, with emphasis on developing countriesRequirements and innovations in port infrastructure for alternative fuel supply chainsTypes of manuscripts welcomed include original research articles, comprehensive reviews, policy analyses, case studies, and perspectives. Topic editors: Jia Shi, Hongchu Yu, Shanshan Fu, Lei Liu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80344/pathways-to-sustainable-shipping-under-imo-decarbonization-policies