Maritime Trade and Transport

Carrying more than 80% of the global trade, international shipping accounts for 3% of global GHG emissions. 

To meet the global 1.5°C target, it is essential that the international shipping industry moves to decarbonize by 2050 with Science-based Target Initiatives (SBTi) and Scope 3 accounting. The IMO GHG Strategy sets out that the industry is to reach net zero emissions by ‘close to’ 2050. It is essential that it is approached through a just transition lens in terms of zero-emission progress, workforce creation and the need for reskilling, as we move toward autonomous shipping and smaller crews.

A core element for zero-emission vessels (ZEVs) is using cleaner propulsion with fuels such as hydrogen and green ammonia, and to prepare for a multi-fuel future with biofuels. The COP26 Clydebank Declaration has seen green corridors being set in motion such as across the Pacific between the ports of Los Angeles and Shanghai, and across the Atlantic between the ports of Antwerp and Montreal. The key to route mapping will be participation from shipping companies, cargo owners and charterers, fuel producers, ports, and regulatory bodies and other policymakers. The maps should be joint public-private initiatives, as a shared resource.

Regional Ports and Shipping Routes

Boston Port is New England's largest port and a hub for international trade. It handles over 2 million metric tons of cargo annually, including container shipments, petroleum products, and dry bulk commodities. It is undergoing significant expansions, including the deepening of its main channel to accommodate larger container ships. Rhode Island's major ports including in Providence serve as vital nodes for the New England maritime network, with primary exports in scrap metal, chemicals, energy devices, and imports in petroleum, medical equipment and automobiles. Ports like Boston and Providence are investing in cleaner fuel alternatives such as LNG and shore power systems, reducing emissions from docked vessels using blockchain. 

The port of New Haven is vital for handling generalized cargo and refined petroleum that supply a significant part of Connecticut's energy. Portland, Maine is pivotal for handling frozen seafood, a significant export commodity for the state, and for tourism, particularly with its facilities for cruise ships. Key routes from New England lead to Europe, Canada (especially to Montreal and Halifax), and other parts of the United States. These are accompanied by local and hyper-local ports that support internal trade and tourism. 

Key Attributes

  • Port Infrastructure

    Ports are critical nodes for global trade, logistics, and economic growth. Upgrading to climate-resilient, digitized ports can be advantageous for efficiency and sustainability.

  • Trade Routes

    Major shipping lanes connect global markets across oceans. Green corridors promote low-emission pathways through cleaner fuels and coordinated logistics.

  • Autonomous Shipping

    AI-powered, small-crew or crewless vessels promise greater safety and fuel efficiency. They reduce human error, optimize routes, and could reshape labor and operations at sea.

  • E-Commerce Demand

    Online retail growth drives more frequent and fragmented shipping needs. Increased demand strains fleets, infrastructure, and raises the urgency for sustainable logistics.

  • Hybrid Engines and Fuels

    Ships are transitioning to LNG, methanol, ammonia, and battery hybrids. Cleaner propulsion systems are key to meeting international emissions targets (IMO).

  • Piracy and Theft

    Certain regions face threats to maritime security, trade, and crew safety. Naval patrols, tracking tech, and regional cooperation are vital for safe passage.

  • Canals and Chokepoints

    Strategic bottlenecks like the Suez and Panama Canals control global flow.
    Their vulnerability to blockages or conflict has far-reaching economic consequences.

  • Circular Shipbuilding

    Designing ships for modularity, repair, and end-of-life reuse reduces waste. Circular practices lower emissions across the lifecycle and align with green shipping goals.

  • Scenarios

    Collectively imagining what the future of the oceans might looks like in different contexts.

    Build Scenarios

  • Drivers

    Macro-level drivers that create broad-reaching impact, and influence our present and future.

    Discover Drivers

  • Trends

    Emerging trends are specific areas of change that hold potential for significant impact.

    EXPLORE TRENDS

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