Confronting Climate Change

Taking the ocean into account is critical for successfully addressing climate change, and addressing climate change is critical for the future of the ocean

Shipping Publications

For several years, Ocean Conservancy has worked with partners to sound the call for the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. As experts in this field, we continue to advocate for innovative, evidence-based solutions that protect our air and water, while prioritizing the communities most affected by these issues. The following reports explore a range of solutions to global shipping’s massive climate impact and are intended to be used as resources that spur change as we forge a pathway to zero-emission shipping.

Our Vision

All Aboard: How the Biden-Harris Administration Can Help Ships Kick Fossil Fuels

This report by Ocean Conservancy and Pacific Environment provides 20 specific policies that create a roadmap for how the United States can realistically move towards zero-emission fuels and ships, and clean and renewable sources of onshore power at United States ports, in order to achieve not just net-zero but true zero emissions from the shipping industry.

How We Get There

Future Maritime Fuels in the USA—The Options and Their Potential Pathways

Transitioning the shipping industry to zero-emission fuels needs to happen as rapidly as possible, and the United States government is poised to lead the way. This report discusses what alternative shipping fuels are already available and what a transition to those fuels would look like in the United States.

Green Shipping Corridors: A Pathway to Zero-Emission Shipping

This brief gives an overview of green shipping corridors and explains how they can be used as a decarbonization strategy for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. It provides three sets of recommendations—for green ports, green ships and government interventions, that include 16 specific actions to be taken to successfully establish green shipping corridors.

Zero-Carbon for Shipping: Propelling Investment in South and Central America with Hydrogen-Based Shipping Fuels

This report presents South and Central American case studies that demonstrate how existing technologies, such as electrofuels and renewable energy, will work together to transition the shipping industry to a zero-carbon future. South and Central America have a lively shipping industry that is primed to lead and move the shipping industry away from fossil fuel dependency.

Zero-Carbon for Shipping: Sailing Carbon-Free Along North America’s West Coast

This report makes the case for how major ports along the west coast of North America can lead the shipping industry’s transition away from fossil fuels to zero-carbon fuels, such as green hydrogen and ammonia. It presents five case studies from along the west coast of North America that demonstrate how ports can create a zero-carbon shipping corridor that will leverage their combined influence to reshape the industry.

The Maritime Fleet of the USA—The Current Status and Potential for the Future

This report examines the potential of the United States to become a leader in decarbonizing domestic shipping. It identifies how the United States fleet can be decarbonized, why now is the moment in time for the United States to act, and where in the United States opportunity lies and its implications for action and next steps.

Reducing Greenhouse Gases in the Maritime Sector: Approaches for Decarbonizing the U.S. Fleet

This report explores options for how the United States can transition its U.S.-flagged vessels to a zero-carbon future and decarbonize the federal fleet. It analyzes vessel characteristics, fleet activity and alternative maritime fuels and technologies, and makes a series of policy recommendations.