Sustainability in container shipping: a shipper's perspective

The future of alternative fuels 

Alternative fuels represent one of the most promising pathways to reducing maritime emissions. Biofuels, LNG, methanol and even hydrogen-based solutions are being explored as viable alternatives to traditional marine fuels. However, each option comes with challenges. LNG infrastructure remains underdeveloped in many key ports, while biofuel scalability is still a concern. Methanol and ammonia, though promising, require further technological advancements and regulatory support to reach widespread adoption. 

Shippers are monitoring these developments closely, as fuel choices directly impact both freight rates and long-term sustainability commitments. Collaborating with carriers that demonstrate a clear roadmap for alternative fuel adoption can be a strategic move, particularly for companies with ambitious decarbonisation targets. 

For example, some shippers are looking to align their sustainability goals with broader industry efforts. Companies in hard-to-abate sectors, such as chemicals, are exploring partnerships and alternative fuel sources to reduce emissions across the supply chain. Solvay, for instance, has committed to carbon neutrality for all its businesses by 2040, with its soda ash segment targeting 2050. As part of its sustainability roadmap, Solvay is transitioning from coal to biomass and waste-derived fuels in some of its European production sites, cutting emissions equivalent to removing thousands of cars from the road annually. While this initiative focuses on industrial decarbonisation, it signals how major shippers are seeking supply chain solutions that align with broader emissions-reduction goals, including in ocean freight. 

What more needs to be done? 

While the container shipping industry has made strides in sustainability, significant gaps remain. More aggressive investments in green technologies, port infrastructure enhancements, and cross-industry collaboration are needed to accelerate progress. Beyond financial incentives and regulatory compliance, meaningful collaboration between shippers and ocean service providers is essential to unlocking new opportunities for sustainable savings. 

Strategic engagement between shippers and carriers can help identify optimised shipping routes that reduce carbon emissions and bunker fuel consumption while maintaining efficiency. Shipping lines should proactively work with their customers to explore operational improvements, such as slow steaming, cargo consolidation and leveraging advanced routeing technologies to enhance sustainability. These co-operative efforts not only contribute to emissions reduction but can also drive cost efficiencies for both parties. 

Additionally, it is crucial that ocean freight service providers adhere to the highest sustainability standards, such as Ecovadis ratings, or initiatives such as Together for Sustainability and Responsible Care. Shippers should prioritise carriers that actively commit to these programmes, as they reflect a broader corporate responsibility towards environmental and social governance. By holding suppliers to higher sustainability benchmarks, the industry can drive a collective shift toward more responsible and transparent shipping practices. 

Furthermore, data transparency should be improved. Standardised sustainability metrics and third-party verification of emissions reductions would enhance accountability across the supply chain. Shippers should push for clear commitments from carriers and ensure that sustainability claims are backed by measurable results. 

Conclusion  
Sustainability in container shipping is no longer a peripheral concern; it is a defining factor in the industry’s long-term viability. The ability to integrate environmental responsibility with operational efficiency will determine which players remain competitive in an increasingly regulated and scrutinised market. Shippers and service providers alike must recognise that sustainability is not just about compliance — it is a business imperative that demands proactive collaboration, investment and innovation. 

A future of sustainable shipping requires shippers and carriers to engage in open dialogue, embracing solutions that prioritise environmental stewardship without compromising economic performance. Strategic partnerships that align sustainability initiatives with cost-effectiveness will drive the industry forward, ensuring long-term resilience and profitability. By embedding sustainability into the core of procurement and logistics strategies, stakeholders can future-proof their operations, mitigate risks, and contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation goals.

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