The shipping industry worldwide faces the challenge of significantly reducing its CO₂ emissions. Although the concept of carbon pricing for ships has been around for some time, its actual implementation has been repeatedly postponed. However, at the recent climate meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), it was decided that, as part of global climate policy, it will come into effect in 2027. The exact modalities will be determined by the end of 2025.

Minister Harbers informed the House of Representatives

In the Netherlands, Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management informed the House of Representatives about the progress of climate policy for the shipping industry. In his letter, he emphasized the need for a joint approach at the European, global and national levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.

Maritime fuel transition roadmap

An important part of this strategy is the "Roadmap fuel transition in the shipping industry," prepared by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This roadmap outlines the first contours of how the Dutch sector envisions the transition to a climate-neutral shipping industry by 2050. The document emphasizes the role of alternative fuels and innovative technologies in achieving this goal.

Despite these efforts, there is criticism that the shipping sector is not yet receiving sufficient attention in broader climate policy. Experts point to the need for both emission reduction and climate adaptation to make the sector resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Climate policy in shipping: A global challenge

IMO has adopted an ambitious strategy to reduce emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008. In Europe, this policy is supported by measures such as carbon pricing and the Fuel Transition in Shipping Roadmap. These strategies focus on the use of sustainable fuels, low-emission technologies and international cooperation.

Neele-Vat: Sustainability in practice

As a family business and international logistics provider, we are aware of our responsibility in making the logistics chain more sustainable. We are committed to:

• Efficiency and optimization: Through smart use of route planning and modern fleet management.
• Investment in sustainable technologies: With a focus on alternative energy sources and supporting customers in choosing green logistics solutions.
• Cooperation in the chain: We actively work with customers and partners to make transport flows more sustainable and realize innovative solutions.

Setting course for green shipping together

With increasingly stringent climate targets for the shipping industry, the next few years are crucial. We are committed to turning this challenge into opportunities, both for our customers and the broader industry. Together with partners and customers, we want to contribute to a future where logistics is not only efficient, but also sustainable.