What used to be seen as a voluntary extra is now a hard economic reality: sustainability has developed from a niche topic to a strategic success factor. Companies that focus on ecological responsibility today secure long-term competitive advantages.
Customers and business partners are increasingly paying attention to how green the supply chain really is. Sustainability is therefore no longer an image issue, but a decisive factor when it comes to awarding contracts and customer loyalty.
Shipping companies and freight forwarders that position themselves early on benefit twice over: they not only fulfil the expectations of the market, but are also better prepared for future legal requirements.
The maritime industry is under massive pressure. EU climate targets, national environmental laws and international agreements are demanding drastic CO₂ reductions. The shipping sector must deliver - worldwide.
At the same time, social pressure is growing. Consumers, investors and supervisory authorities are demanding more transparency and concrete measures to minimise environmental impact. Companies that fail to do this will quickly lose credibility and market share.
The industry's answer is clear: investment in green technologies and sustainable processes.
From the conversion of existing fleets to the use of new fuels and completely new logistics concepts - change is in full swing. Companies are increasingly relying on cooperation with technology providers, port operators and environmental organisations to jointly develop sustainable solutions.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has paved the way, but research continues. Hydrogen-based propulsion systems and synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are seen as key technologies for the future. They promise virtually emission-free shipping - at least on paper.
The first pilot projects are already underway, but the challenge lies in scaling and infrastructure. LNG is already available at many harbours, while hydrogen and e-fuels are still in the starting blocks.
Nevertheless, those who invest here will secure a pioneering role in sustainable RoRo transport in the long term.
Many shipping companies are already relying on hybrid and electric drives, particularly in harbour operations and on short-haul routes.
These systems significantly reduce fuel consumption during docking and casting off and ensure zero local emissions in the harbour - a big plus for cities and residents who suffer from air pollution and noise.
Modern battery systems make it possible to carry out entire port manoeuvres purely electrically - a step that is already standard practice for many shipping companies.
It's not just the drive that counts. The ship design itself also offers enormous potential for reducing emissions.
Optimised hull shapes, lighter materials and innovative coating technologies ensure that water resistance is minimised and energy consumption is reduced.
A good example: RoRo ships with "double rudder systems" or "air bubble technology", which reduce friction between the hull and water. Such technologies measurably reduce fuel consumption - without compromising on load capacity.
Thanks to modern IT solutions, routes are now planned and optimised intelligently.
Digital platforms analyse weather data, current conditions and port availability in real time. This makes it possible to avoid empty runs and significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
This digital efficiency not only improves the environmental balance, but also the economic efficiency - a real benefit for everyone involved.
Optimised loading is more than just a question of space. Smart stowage planning and loading concepts ensure that the ship is evenly utilised and optimally positioned on the water.
This saves energy, reduces water resistance and increases transport capacity - without consuming additional resources.
More and more harbours around the world are opting for Green Port Initiatives. These include
- Shore power connections that allow ships to switch off their engines while moored
- Energy-efficient port logistics, for example through electric tractors and automated terminal processes
- Green energy sources such as wind or solar power for harbour operations
These measures not only reduce local emissions, but also improve the overall balance of RoRo transport.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has formulated clear goals:
By 2030, CO₂ emissions per transported tonne are to be reduced by at least 40 %. The IMO is aiming for complete climate neutrality by 2050.
The EU is also tightening its requirements. With initiatives such as Fit for 55 and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), shipping companies and freight forwarders are increasingly being required to balance and reduce their emissions.
Certifications such as ISO 14001 (environmental management) or the Clean Shipping Index label provide orientation for companies that want to rely on sustainable logistics partners.
These certificates guarantee that environmental aspects are systematically managed and continuously improved.
When selecting a logistics partner, customers should pay particular attention to verifiable environmental performance.
Ask for it:
- Certifications and environmental reports
- Concrete measures to reduce emissions
- Transparency throughout the supply chain
A partner who actively communicates and can prove what they are doing is usually the better business partner.
Several shipping companies are already showing how it can be done.
One example is Wallenius Wilhelmsen, which relies on wind propulsion technology with its "Orcelle Wind" ships. Or UECC, which already operates one of the first fleets with LNG dual propulsion.
These pioneers set standards that the entire industry follows.
Shippers also bear responsibility. Companies such as Volvo and Caterpillar rely on fully documented green supply chains. They specifically select shipping companies that measure and reduce their CO₂ emissions.
Such strategies show that sustainability is an interplay between all players - from production to the customer.
Sustainability also pays off economically.
Companies that focus on environmentally friendly logistics not only improve their image, but also benefit from:
- Better tendering opportunities
- Long-term cost security thanks to lower energy consumption
- Access to funding programmes and tax incentives
In short, those who focus on the right sustainability trends in RoRo transport today will secure the decisive advantage of tomorrow.
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