THE global maritime industry stands at a pivotal moment of transformation.

In an increasingly competitive and unpredictable world, we face growing demands for accountability and governance — especially in our efforts to decarbonise.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; its effects are already reshaping our environment and economies. Even if we manage to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 — a target we are currently off track to meet — the consequences of inaction will remain profound and far-reaching.

As the International Maritime Organization sets its sights on net-zero emissions by 2050, we face a clear but daunting reality: the solutions to our decarbonisation challenges already exist, however they are not yet scalable. Without a robust regulatory framework to guide and incentivise the necessary transitions, these solutions risk stagnating at the pilot stage. Nonetheless, we cannot afford to wait. We must continue innovating now, preparing the industry for the moment when regulation brings clarity and further momentum.

This dynamic requires courage: stepping out of comfort zones, embracing risk, and acting despite uncertainty. Courage means challenging the status quo, fostering a culture of experimentation, and sharing lessons learned — whether successes or setback. It is also about initiating difficult, sometimes uncomfortable conversations to address the barriers holding the industry back.

We know regulation is the missing piece of the puzzle, but I believe a regulatory framework is coming.  We cannot allow the lack of regulation today to delay our progress. The maritime industry must push forward with groundbreaking innovation to ensure we are ready when the framework is in place. 

Innovation at the Helm: Lessons from Wind-Assisted Propulsion

Innovation remains critical in tackling the decarbonisation challenge, and Cargill has taken bold steps to lead this transformation. We are trialling new technologies and scaling biofuels, collaborating with customers and partners to pioneer new ways forward. These efforts align with the IMO’s ambitious target to have 5%-10% of maritime energy sourced from renewables by 2030. 

Wind propulsion, one of the oldest maritime technologies, is also being reimagined to reduce emissions. Technologies such as rigid sails, suction sails, and rotor sails are already demonstrating measurable fuel savings and emissions reductions. The potential of these systems is vast, but they remain experimental tools that provide critical insights for scaling up and there challenges that need to be overcome. 

High costs, operational issues, and limited acceptance in certain ports have slowed wider adoption. These experiments are essential stepping stones, offering lessons that will inform and shape the next phase of development. We need to collectively step out of our comfort zone and embrace risk for wide-scape adoption to take place.

Alternative fuels will also play a critical role in maritime decarbonisation. Methanol-powered vessels will not be expected to become commercially viable within the next two years, while biofuels offer a near-term solution to lower emissions. However, scaling these solutions requires investment in infrastructure, supply chains, and production capacity.

A global regulatory framework will help bridge the gap between experimentation and large-scale deployment, making it economically viable for the industry to adopt these technologies.

Scaling solutions: the need for regulatory support

The maritime industry is making progress, but until regulation becomes fully clear and within reach these advances risk stalling. Clear guidance from the IMO in 2023 marked an important milestone, offering a realistic pathway to net-zero by 2050. This framework provides a shared vision that stakeholders can rally around. However, it must evolve into actionable, global standards to drive the standardisation and commercialisation of decarbonisation solutions. 

Currently, we face significant barriers:  the high cost of green fuels, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and a lack of cohesive incentives for early adopters. The industry has already invested billions in projects ranging from zero-carbon fuel supply to wind propulsion and digital technologies. Yet without strong regulatory support, these efforts are unlikely to transition beyond proof of concept.

Cargill has embraced its role as a catalyst, backing high-profile wind propulsion initiatives and dual-fuel green methanol projects. However, voluntary action alone cannot drive the change required. Regulatory measures such as a global carbon pricing mechanism and universal fuel standards are essential to create predictability and incentivise investment. Without these frameworks, we risk a patchwork of regional rules that will stifle scalability and leave loopholes unchecked.

The IMO’s leadership is crucial, but its negotiations must result in meaningful, enforceable standards. Without a global regulatory framework, the risk of fragmented regional rules could stifle scalability and introduce loopholes. The industry cannot passively wait for these frameworks to emerge; we must actively engage in shaping them. 

In the meantime, innovation must not falter. Progress today will position the maritime sector for rapid deployment when regulation catches up. This is not the time for incremental change or hesitation — it is the time to act boldly, embrace risk, and ensure the industry is ready when the regulatory framework aligns with our ambitions.

A call to bold action

The journey to net zero will not be linear, nor is it easy. It demands unprecedented levels of innovation, collaboration, and investment, coupled with leadership willing to navigate uncertain waters. The industry is already witnessing change through small, but significant steps. Wind-assisted propulsion technologies, early-stage biofuel scaling, and the development of zero-emission-ready ships demonstrate what is possible.

The time for incremental change has passed. The maritime industry must scale up its efforts, act with urgency, and lead the transition to a sustainable future. For centuries, shipping has been the lifeblood of global trade, connecting people and economies. Now, it must also be a driver of climate solutions. 

Our legacy will not only be measured by the profits we make today, but by the industry we leave behind for future generations.

This is our moment to ensure that maritime shipping thrives responsibly, innovatively, and sustainably. The seas ahead may be uncertain, but the destination is clear: a zero-emission future.