OCE-B.08.E - Decarbonisation Commitment
Does the company demonstrate its commitment towards decarbonisation?
About the data
The WBA Ocean Benchmark measures and ranks the world's most influential companies on their efforts to halt and reverse nature loss in marine ecosystems, tracking how companies manage their impacts on ocean biodiversity, marine habitats, and the communities and workers dependent on healthy seas. The 2026 edition is WBA's first Ocean Benchmark, assessing 125 companies across key sectors dependent on oceans, including seafood, maritime transport, offshore wind energy, shipbuilding, port operations, apparel, and chemicals. Companies are assessed on 47 indicators across four measurement areas: governance, ecosystems and biodiversity, social responsibility, and core social indicators. The benchmark builds on WBA's Nature Benchmark and the former Seafood Stewardship Index, and its methodology was developed with input from more than 50 stakeholders including ocean communities, companies, scientists and civil society, with human rights and social impacts kept at its core alongside nature-specific concerns. More information can be found here.
Methodology
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions directly impact ocean health, affecting everything from
oxygen availability to the ability of marine organisms to build protective structures. Some of the
effects include ocean acidification, deoxygenation, warming and nitrogen deposition.
Biodiversity and climate change are deeply connected, with ecosystem degradation boosting GHG
emissions. In turn, climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss through heightened extinction risks
and extreme weather events. This indicator targets emissions reductions in line with the 1.5°C goal of
the Paris Agreement. It aligns with the Science-Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) interim goals of
reducing value chain GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90–95% by 2050, as well as with SDG 14.3,
which seeks to minimise and address the impacts of ocean acidification through GHG emission
reductions and other measures.
Research Guidance:
For this element to be met, the company must demonstrate commitment to decarbonisation by different means.
For example: [SN1]
Set Clear Decarbonisation Targets
Adopt Low-Carbon and Zero-Carbon Fuels (e.g. Retrofit ships for alternative fuel capability)
Implement Carbon-Reduction Measures at Ports
Invest in Innovation and Partnerships
Carbon Offsetting Programs
Adopt and Promote Industry Initiatives
Digitalize Fleet Operations
1\. Set Clear Decarbonisation Targets
Align with international goals, such as:
IMO's target: Reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2050 (compared to 2008 levels).
Net-Zero Emissions by 2050: Adopt ambitious, science-based targets.
Join initiatives like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for shipping.
Short, Medium, and Long-Term Goals: Break targets into milestones (e.g., 2030, 2040, 2050).
Example Statement:
"We aim to reduce fleet emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050."
2\. Adopt Low-Carbon and Zero-Carbon Fuels
Transition to alternative fuels and technologies to reduce reliance on conventional bunker fuels:
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): A transition fuel to reduce CO‚ÇÇ and NOx emissions.
Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen: Future fuels with zero or near-zero carbon emissions.
Biofuels: Sustainably sourced, lower-carbon alternatives.
Practical Steps:
Retrofit ships for alternative fuel capability.
Collaborate on pilot projects for ammonia- or hydrogen-fueled ships.
3\. Upgrade Fleet Technology and Energy Efficiency
Invest in new, energy-efficient vessels with optimized hull designs and propulsion systems.
Retrofit existing fleets with:
Energy-Saving Technologies (ESTs):
Air lubrication systems
Wind-assisted propulsion (rotor sails)
Waste heat recovery systems
Engine Upgrades: Dual-fuel engines capable of using cleaner fuels.
Apply digital tools for optimization:
Voyage Optimization Software: Reduces fuel consumption through optimal routing.
Speed Reduction (Slow Steaming): Cuts fuel use and emissions.
4\. Implement Carbon-Reduction Measures at Ports
Use Onshore Power Supply (OPS): Allow ships to connect to renewable grid electricity at berth.
Electrify cargo-handling equipment and port logistics.
Support green port initiatives and zero-emission supply chains.
5\. Transparent Reporting and Disclosure
Publish annual sustainability reports adhering to:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
Report key KPIs:
CO‚ÇÇ emissions per ton-mile (e.g., Annual Efficiency Ratio [AER], Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator [EEOI]).
Total emissions by scope (Scope 1, 2, and 3).
Disclose compliance with regulations like:
IMO DCS (Data Collection System)
EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification).
6\. Invest in Innovation and Partnerships
Collaborate on R&D initiatives for green technologies, such as:
Fuel cell technology (hydrogen)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) for ships
Partner with:
Fuel suppliers to develop green fuels.
Green shipping corridors: Create specific trade routes with zero-carbon shipping.
Industry coalitions like Getting to Zero Coalition and Poseidon Principles.
7\. Carbon Offsetting Programs
Invest in credible carbon offsetting projects to compensate for residual emissions, such as:
Renewable energy development
Reforestation projects
Promote nature-based solutions to balance carbon emissions.
8\. Adopt and Promote Industry Initiatives
Join voluntary industry initiatives, such as:
Poseidon Principles: Aligns shipping finance with climate goals.
Getting to Zero Coalition: Supports zero-emission vessels by 2030.
Green Marine Certification: A performance-based environmental program.
9\. Digitalize Fleet Operations
Use data-driven platforms for monitoring and optimizing fuel usage, emissions, and energy efficiency.
Deploy IoT sensors and real-time tracking tools for:
Fuel consumption analysis
Predictive maintenance for engine efficiency
Emission monitoring
10\. Communicate Progress Transparently
Publicize achievements and decarbonisation pathways through:
Annual sustainability reports
Investor communications
Participation in industry forums and conferences
Showcase specific success stories (e.g., launch of zero-emission ships, fuel transitions).
oxygen availability to the ability of marine organisms to build protective structures. Some of the
effects include ocean acidification, deoxygenation, warming and nitrogen deposition.
Biodiversity and climate change are deeply connected, with ecosystem degradation boosting GHG
emissions. In turn, climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss through heightened extinction risks
and extreme weather events. This indicator targets emissions reductions in line with the 1.5°C goal of
the Paris Agreement. It aligns with the Science-Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) interim goals of
reducing value chain GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and 90–95% by 2050, as well as with SDG 14.3,
which seeks to minimise and address the impacts of ocean acidification through GHG emission
reductions and other measures.
Research Guidance:
For this element to be met, the company must demonstrate commitment to decarbonisation by different means.
For example: [SN1]
Set Clear Decarbonisation Targets
Adopt Low-Carbon and Zero-Carbon Fuels (e.g. Retrofit ships for alternative fuel capability)
Implement Carbon-Reduction Measures at Ports
Invest in Innovation and Partnerships
Carbon Offsetting Programs
Adopt and Promote Industry Initiatives
Digitalize Fleet Operations
1\. Set Clear Decarbonisation Targets
Align with international goals, such as:
IMO's target: Reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2050 (compared to 2008 levels).
Net-Zero Emissions by 2050: Adopt ambitious, science-based targets.
Join initiatives like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for shipping.
Short, Medium, and Long-Term Goals: Break targets into milestones (e.g., 2030, 2040, 2050).
Example Statement:
"We aim to reduce fleet emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050."
2\. Adopt Low-Carbon and Zero-Carbon Fuels
Transition to alternative fuels and technologies to reduce reliance on conventional bunker fuels:
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): A transition fuel to reduce CO‚ÇÇ and NOx emissions.
Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen: Future fuels with zero or near-zero carbon emissions.
Biofuels: Sustainably sourced, lower-carbon alternatives.
Practical Steps:
Retrofit ships for alternative fuel capability.
Collaborate on pilot projects for ammonia- or hydrogen-fueled ships.
3\. Upgrade Fleet Technology and Energy Efficiency
Invest in new, energy-efficient vessels with optimized hull designs and propulsion systems.
Retrofit existing fleets with:
Energy-Saving Technologies (ESTs):
Air lubrication systems
Wind-assisted propulsion (rotor sails)
Waste heat recovery systems
Engine Upgrades: Dual-fuel engines capable of using cleaner fuels.
Apply digital tools for optimization:
Voyage Optimization Software: Reduces fuel consumption through optimal routing.
Speed Reduction (Slow Steaming): Cuts fuel use and emissions.
4\. Implement Carbon-Reduction Measures at Ports
Use Onshore Power Supply (OPS): Allow ships to connect to renewable grid electricity at berth.
Electrify cargo-handling equipment and port logistics.
Support green port initiatives and zero-emission supply chains.
5\. Transparent Reporting and Disclosure
Publish annual sustainability reports adhering to:
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
Report key KPIs:
CO‚ÇÇ emissions per ton-mile (e.g., Annual Efficiency Ratio [AER], Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator [EEOI]).
Total emissions by scope (Scope 1, 2, and 3).
Disclose compliance with regulations like:
IMO DCS (Data Collection System)
EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification).
6\. Invest in Innovation and Partnerships
Collaborate on R&D initiatives for green technologies, such as:
Fuel cell technology (hydrogen)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) for ships
Partner with:
Fuel suppliers to develop green fuels.
Green shipping corridors: Create specific trade routes with zero-carbon shipping.
Industry coalitions like Getting to Zero Coalition and Poseidon Principles.
7\. Carbon Offsetting Programs
Invest in credible carbon offsetting projects to compensate for residual emissions, such as:
Renewable energy development
Reforestation projects
Promote nature-based solutions to balance carbon emissions.
8\. Adopt and Promote Industry Initiatives
Join voluntary industry initiatives, such as:
Poseidon Principles: Aligns shipping finance with climate goals.
Getting to Zero Coalition: Supports zero-emission vessels by 2030.
Green Marine Certification: A performance-based environmental program.
9\. Digitalize Fleet Operations
Use data-driven platforms for monitoring and optimizing fuel usage, emissions, and energy efficiency.
Deploy IoT sensors and real-time tracking tools for:
Fuel consumption analysis
Predictive maintenance for engine efficiency
Emission monitoring
10\. Communicate Progress Transparently
Publicize achievements and decarbonisation pathways through:
Annual sustainability reports
Investor communications
Participation in industry forums and conferences
Showcase specific success stories (e.g., launch of zero-emission ships, fuel transitions).
License
Topics
Framework Mappings
Value Type
Category
Options
Yes
No
Assessment
Steward Assessed
Report Type
Aggregate Data Report