The ocean sustains life on Earth. It regulates the climate, supports biodiversity, feeds communities and powers global trade. But this essential system is under growing threat, from warming waters and acidification to declining fish stocks and pollution. One of the most urgent challenges lies in transforming the maritime sector, which is both a driver of economic prosperity and a source of 3% of global CO₂ emissions. The question is not whether to act, but how fast and how comprehensively.
At Boston Consulting Group, we see the future of the maritime sector as a convergence of sustainability and competitiveness. The shift to low-carbon shipping is not just a regulatory necessity – it’s a strategic opportunity. From energy producers and shipowners to ports, logistics providers and investors, every part of the value chain has a role to play. And, every step forward must make business and environmental sense.
BCG works across the full maritime ecosystem to drive transformative impact. We help companies assess the cost and feasibility of alternative fuels, unlock capital for green infrastructure and redesign fleets and operations for long-term resilience. We bring the data, scenarios and strategic clarity needed to act with confidence – and we stay involved through implementation to ensure results on the ground.
Partnerships are central to this effort. We are very grateful for our ongoing collaboration with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping. Together, we’ve codeveloped tools that are now shaping industry practice – including the ESG Playbook for Shipping, which helps companies integrate sustainability into governance and decision-making – and enhanced benchmarking systems that track decarbonization progress across the global fleet. With the Center and other stakeholders, we are also exploring the development of green corridors, identifying viable fuel pathways and informing policy frameworks that can accelerate adoption at scale.
The challenge extends well beyond technology and fuels. Delivering zero-carbon shipping and ocean health requires coordinated action across silos, linking financial incentives, regulatory shifts and operational change. It means aligning the short-term pressures of business with the long-term needs of the planet. BCG is helping clients bridge that gap by enabling first movers, building shared standards and turning complex transitions into clear roadmaps.
The maritime sector is at a turning point. With the right strategy, collaboration and execution, it can lead the way in building a sustainable ocean economy – one that protects natural systems while delivering growth and stability for generations to come.
This is not just about reducing emissions. It’s about advancing trade, prosperity and environmental stewardship collectively, right now.
BCG’s diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise regarding growth in green shipping and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. Read more from BCG around The $10 Billion Opportunity in Green Shipping.
