Lack of a global regulatory framework and unwillingness from shipping’s customers to pay for lower emission solutions are identified at the top of a long list of significant barriers to much needed industry investment in a new report from Shell based on interviews with over 80 industry leaders.

Brexit had fallen down the industry agenda as it grappled with the coronavirus pandemic, but following the publication of a new industry consultation and the emergence of a new untested and unfinished government IT system to control incomplete border control process and unwritten infrastructure requirements, the opaque roadmap to the UK’s EU exit is now back on everyone’s to do list

Unprecedented industry unity and press coverage has failed to get the message heard outside of shipping’s usual sphere of influence. The industry’s lack of lobbying firepower must be bolstered by a collective commitment to utilise every network available. 

A diplomatic battle is underway to win over international political support for crew change plans. Slow implementation from governments unwilling or unable to overcome bureaucratic blockages has left the vast majority of seafarers stranded at sea or stuck at home due to travel restrictions

The health of the oceans is an existential matter for humanity that requires shipping to move ahead of regulation and accelerate decarbonisation plans, says UN Ocean czar as Equinor leads in a flurry of strategic sustainability pledges

As governments race to pump out ‘green’ stimulus packages to tackle the economic slump, while accelerating plans to slash emissions, shipping should be seeking clarity on carbon targets and taking the opportunity to kick-start its own decarbonisation development plans