Global climate targets and the growing pressure on the transport industry
International shipping is increasingly at the centre of global environmental debates. With a share of around 3 % of global CO₂ emissions, maritime shipping makes a significant contribution to climate change - and the trend is rising. The UN climate targets, the Paris Agreement and stricter regulations such as the IMO 2023 guidelines are putting the industry under pressure.
RoRo shipments - once celebrated as an efficient transport solution - must now also be measured against environmental criteria. The pressure on shipping companies and shippers to significantly reduce their carbon footprint without losing profitability is growing. Sustainability is no longer just a PR argument - it has become a regulatory and social expectation.
Customers are also becoming more critical. More and more companies and end consumers are attaching importance to transparent supply chains and ecological standards. The transport route is becoming the brand's calling card. Those who ship in an environmentally friendly way not only strengthen their own image, but also fulfil the requirements of ESG criteria and CSR specifications.
Sustainability is increasingly becoming part of tenders and partnerships, particularly in the B2B sector. The demand for environmentally friendly RoRo shipping is increasing - across all sectors.
What was once considered a voluntary commitment is becoming the standard. Sustainable processes and green technologies are essential today in order to remain competitive in the long term. Shipping companies that invest in ecological innovations at an early stage not only secure regulatory advantages, but also the loyalty of forward-looking customers.
Sustainability is no longer an optional extra - it has become a basic requirement for successful RoRo logistics.
Modern ro-ro ships are increasingly relying on alternative propulsion systems to replace conventional heavy fuel oil engines. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) in particular significantly reduces particulate matter, sulphur and CO₂ emissions. Hybrid solutions - a combination of diesel generators and battery storage systems - are also increasingly being used.
In the long term, the all-electric drive will become increasingly important, especially for short journeys. The range and charging infrastructure are still limited, but development is progressing rapidly. In combination with shore-side power supply during port periods, CO₂ emissions can be significantly minimised.
In addition to new propulsion systems, shipping companies are also focussing on technological upgrades to existing fleets. Exhaust gas scrubbers filter sulphur oxides from emissions, while energy-saving hull moulds and air lubrication systems reduce water resistance. Intelligent energy management systems also help to optimise fuel consumption.
Even seemingly small adjustments such as LED lighting, waste heat utilisation or optimised air conditioning systems add up - especially for ships that are underway for years and thousands of nautical miles.
Today, digital tools help to determine the most efficient route in real time - depending on the weather, currents, load and timetable. This dynamic route guidance reduces idle times, prevents unnecessary detours and significantly reduces fuel consumption.
Another advantage: predictive maintenance and condition monitoring extend the service life of technical components, reduce maintenance costs and avoid energy-intensive emergency measures.
A lot is also happening on land when it comes to environmentally friendly RoRo shipping. Modern terminals rely on automated processes, electric tugboats and low-emission crane technology. Electrically powered units are increasingly being used instead of diesel-powered forklifts.
In addition, digital pre-notification systems help to reduce idle times at the terminal. This not only saves time, but also avoids unnecessary energy consumption and emissions in port operations.
A key lever for greater sustainability lies in connecting the ro-ro ports to the rail network and combined transport. If pre-carriage and onward carriage are not by lorry but by train or barge, CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced.
Intelligent planning - for example by bundling consignments or time-delayed dispatch - enables better capacity utilisation and minimises empty kilometres. This not only makes the transport flow greener, but also more economical.
Digitalisation is revolutionising the way freight is planned, booked and tracked. Platforms for freight bundling, dynamic booking systems and AI-supported forecasts ensure that RoRo capacities are better utilised. This helps to avoid empty runs and coordinate freight flows more efficiently.
The use of blockchain and IoT technologies also enables greater transparency in the supply chain - an important building block for sustainable action.
Some shipping companies are already taking responsibility and making targeted investments in green fleet strategies. Names such as Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Grimaldi Group and Höegh Autoliners stand for innovation in sustainable RoRo logistics. Their ships run on alternative fuels, use solar or wind power and offer CO₂-compensated transport options.
This pioneering role pays off - both ecologically and economically. Customers appreciate the clear commitment to responsibility and make long-term commitments.
Companies from industry and trade are increasingly reporting on successful projects in which emissions have been significantly reduced through targeted measures. These include, for example, switching to lower-emission routes, switching to green shipping companies or optimising internal transport processes.
The measurable effect: lower CO₂ values, lower costs thanks to more efficient processes and a positive image transfer to the company's own brand.
Certifications such as ISO 14001, the Clean Shipping Index or EMAS are becoming increasingly important. Companies and shipping companies are joining forces in alliances to jointly develop and implement standards. Voluntary commitments - for example to CO₂ neutrality by 2040 - are providing additional impetus.
Transparency and credibility take centre stage. Because only what is measurable can be sustainably improved.
The first step towards greener transport begins with the choice of partner. Companies should specifically work with shipping companies and logistics service providers that take environmental responsibility seriously. This means checking fleet policies, asking about emission values and analysing sustainability reports.
It is also worth taking a look behind the scenes at the haulage company - for example with regard to the vehicle fleet, route selection and digital infrastructure.
Sustainability does not end with the means of transport. Packaging and loading aids should also be chosen to be environmentally friendly. Reusable transport solutions, recyclable materials and resource-saving securing techniques significantly reduce the ecological footprint.
Less volume and weight also means lower transport costs and fewer emissions en route.
Sustainability not only needs to be practised, but also communicated. Those who measure their CO₂ emissions, report regularly and formulate specific targets create trust - both internally and externally.
Many customers today expect a transparent carbon footprint. Companies that can deliver this give themselves a clear competitive advantage and position themselves as a future-orientated partner.
Environmentally friendly RoRo shipping is more than just a trend - it is the logical response to global challenges and a central component of modern logistics strategies. Investing in sustainable solutions today not only ensures regulatory security, but also actively shapes the future of international transport.
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