The newly released 2025 Sea Cargo Charter Annual Disclosure Report highlights significant progress in maritime emission reductions, though challenges remain for achieving climate alignment. The report showcases the efforts of 34 leading charters and shipowners who collectively account for approximately 18% of global wet and dry bulk cargo transported by sea in 2024.
This marks the second year that these signatories have reported under the more stringent climate alignment trajectories established in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy. Despite facing these challenges, 19 of the 34 signatories achieved a reduction in their emission intensity over the past year.
Furthermore, eight signatories improved their climate alignment scores, indicating enhanced integration of emissions metrics into their operational and chartering decisions. However, on average, signatories lagged 12% behind the minimum international climate goals and 18% behind the striving targets for 2024.
Ten signatories reported being within 10% of their targets, while five others met the minimum trajectory and three aligned with the striving trajectory. Engebret Dahm, vice chair of the Sea Cargo Charter and CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers, emphasized the initiative’s role in translating climate ambition into tangible actions.
He noted that the results demonstrate a commitment to transparency and operational improvements, reinforcing the Charter’s importance as a tool to support the IMO’s Greenhouse Gas Strategy. Additionally, external factors continue to pose challenges to climate alignment scores.
Operational limitations such as port restrictions, unfavorable weather, inefficient routing, and reliance on short-term charters have contributed to these shortfalls. However, there has been noteworthy progress in data quality and transparency, with over 90% of the 2024 data verified by third parties, compared to just 50% the previous year.
Dahm underscored that the Sea Cargo Charter cultivates trust and collaboration, essential for driving meaningful progress in an increasingly ambitious industry.