Our policies and positions

Need for strong IMO leadership to decarbonize global shipping

In July 2023, IMO Member States will meet in IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) to agree on its final GHG Strategy. Maersk has high expectations for this meeting and urge IMO Member States to confirm IMO’s leadership as the main regulator of international shipping.

Maersk is actively engaged in the preparations of the MEPC meeting to ensure needed progress and higher ambitions. For Maersk, this means that IMO must commit to at least net zero GHG emissions in 2050. Moreover, an ambitious timeline for adoption of measures is needed in order for measures to enter into force at the very latest in 2028. Measures must be based on Well-to-Wake approach and support a just transition leaving no one behind. Finally, Maersk strongly advocates for a complete modernization of the IMO’s Data Collection System, as a solid data framework is required for the proposed regulations to achieve their intended objectives.

Charting the course to a climate neutral continent

The European Union (EU) has set the ambitious objective of becoming the world’s first climate neutral continent by 2050. To deliver on the ambition, the EU is adopting a series of laws to transform the European economy and seize the opportunities provided by the green energy transition. Maersk supports this objective and advocates for a climate policy with a regulatory framework to enable and support the energy transition of container logistics at sea, on land and in the air. The transition to climate-neutrality is no easy task and a strong regulatory framework to accelerate the process is essential. This framework should not only make sure that polluters pay, but also reward first-movers for taking the necessary steps to initiate the transition for the whole industry.

With the Fit for 55 package, the European Union has assumed a leading role in the fight against climate change. In our view, some of the most important elements are:

• The Emissions Trading System (ETS), introducing the first carbon price on shipping emissions;
• The FuelEU Maritime Regulation, introducing the first fuel standard supporting the use of green fuels;
• The Renewable Energy Directive, setting a legal framework for the development of renewable energy and the production of green e-fuels;
• The EU Taxonomy, establishing a list of sustainable economic activities to shift investments in a more climate friendly direction; and
• The Green Deal Industrial Plan, scaling production of green tech and green fuels.

As these elements come into place, we assess their impact and consider what next steps can propel the energy transition forward.

We call for Renewable Energy to be build out at scale and speed

Renewable energy lies at the heart of Maersk’s energy transitions across all aspects of our business, spanning ocean and landside transport, air transportation, warehousing, and terminals. The successful operation of many of our low carbon products hinges on a reliable supply of renewable electricity, leading to a significant increase in demand for such energy sources.

To drive this transition effectively, Maersk therefore believes that the foremost policy priority should be ensuring access to renewable energy in ample quantities at competitive prices. This requires expediting permitting processes, developing electrical grids and connections, but also creating an enabling environment to produce cost-competitive green electricity as a vital feedstock for green hydrogen-based fuels, which decarbonization of the shipping industry depends on. Initiatives such as US’s Inflation Reduction Act and EU’s Hydrogen Bank are important initiatives to facilitate the transition.

Responsible Ship recycling as important as ever in view of decarbonization efforts by industry

There is a growing need on a global scale for safe and environmental sound recycling of vessels that have reached their end-of-life cycle. This development is supported and accelerated by international and regional measures to reduce GHG from shipping, for example IMO regulations on EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ships Index) and CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator).

Maersk has developed its own Responsible Ship Recycling Standard (RSRS) setting heightened standards on Health & Safety, Environment, Anti-corruption, Subcontractors and Labour and Human Rights. Maersk has worked closely with different yards across the world and notably in Alang in India on implementing the RSRS when recycling a Maersk vessel.

Furthermore, responsible ship recycling can contribute to the creation of a viable ecosystem and circular economy around “Green Steel” (re-used steel). Steel is the second largest GHG polluting industry accounting for 7 % GHG release of all emissions.

Making sure everyone gets home safe

We are committed to protecting our people, our business partners, the communities we work alongside and the customers we serve. We operationalise this commitment by ensuring all A.P. Moller - Maersk operations are carried out safely and securely with minimal impact to the environment.

We achieve this commitment by providing a safe, healthy, secure work environment, complying with relevant HSSE legal and contractual requirements, ensuring business continuity to our customers through the consistent application of effective HSSE related processes. We work continuously to embed HSSE risk management across our operations and decision making processes.

Read more in our HSSE policy.

We review our membership status once a year to ensure that the trade associations in which we are members lobby in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement as well as other key issues. This includes assessing how their approach and outreach reflect our views and values. One outcome of the 2022 process is our decision to support the strengthening of the WSC and dedicate internal resources hereto. Our choice to step down from the ICS Board should also be seen in this context.