The maritime sector is an embodiment of various economic activities that enhance global trade and improve commercial activities. The effect of the maritime sector on sustainability cannot be overemphasized. A careful look at this sector would reveal that its advantages are numerous, ranging from social, economic, to governance. However, these benefits also come with serious challenges to the growth of the maritime sector which in turn impact on many sustainability issues when not efficiently managed; hence, the need for sustainable laws and policies. Our aim here is to briefly discuss the risks engendered by the maritime sector and proffer sustainable solutions, reflecting on regulatory frameworks through a continental approach.
class="justify"2.0. A EUROPEAN APPROACH TO A SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SECTOR
The maritime sector in Europe has a very structured dimension, distinct from that of other continents.
Major trade activities across Europe to other continents have been progressive through affordable and reliable maritime transport.
A report by the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) in 2019 revealed that over 90% of the World’s consumption is
transported by sea.[1] This evidently showcases the importance of shipping in modern global trade.
However, these operations constantly create an environmental wreck through gas emissions from ships.
The European Union has made a significant contribution to achieving a sustainable maritime sector through the implementation of progressive policies and regulatory frameworks that promote sustainability.
Leveraging the European Green Deal (EGD), creating a zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment which is one of the key areas the Green Deal can be achieved by 2050.[2]
This would positively influence maritime transport in Europe and further increase energy efficiency. Worthy of note also is the Fit for 55 Package, which targets the reduction of gas emissions for ships.
These policies are inherently instrumental to the growth and sustainability of this sector, thus creating a greener and climate-responsive maritime sector.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy, which aims to integrate sustainable aquaculture, is a cornerstone for long-term ecosystem integrity, leaning towards renewable energy, clean technologies, and circular material flows within the maritime sector.[3] One could see that the progress of Europe in economic growth and advancement is not in isolation from the maritime sector. Through the cooperation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), marine pollution can be mitigated, shipping security can be guaranteed, and the United Nations SDGs can be attained with ease.
3.0. AN AFRICAN APPROACH TO A SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SECTOR
Africa, being a hub of domestic commercial activities and foreign trade, cannot achieve its growth and sustainability within the maritime sector unless proper attention and intervention are geared towards the protection of Africa’s maritime sphere.
This protection is foreseeable, given the presence of policies such as the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIMS), which purports to enhance the maritime sector, create job opportunities, promote international trade, develop maritime infrastructure and transport, among others.[4]
The Blue Economy Strategy, as adopted in Europe, is also key to sustaining Africa’s maritime sector, and it is recognized by Aspiration 1, Paragraph 15 of Agenda 2063.[5]Amidst the policies this strategy aims at executing, advancement in the infrastructure of seaports should be effectively considered, such that aquacultural practices are carried out with less negative climate impacts. Moreover, the importance of renewable marine energy cannot be overemphasized. Most seaports in Africa lack modernized structures and climate-smart equipment to foster a green marine environment. Consequently, there have been frequent reports of marine pollution, oil spillage, port thefts, and maritime piracy within Africa and its environs. According to reports in 2019, the Gulf of Guinea experienced a 50% increase in maritime piracy. However, due to maritime security measures enforced, the country experienced a 54% decline in maritime piracy by 2021.[6] This points to the fact that maritime security can safeguard Africa’s economy and also protect foreign trade investment.
4.0. AN ASIAN APPROACH TO A SUSTAINABLE MARITIME SECTOR
The maritime and shipping sector in Asia contributes tremendously to the economies of various countries on the continent, nationally and globally.
As it stands, the continent is known for its possession of the World’s largest ports. Study reveals that in 2023 alone, the maritime sector in Asia contributed to the gross value of 10 Asian countries,
totalling an amount of $145 billion. This massive revenue results from the frequent utilization of marine transport.
Therefore, the need to make the maritime space sustainable and cleaner arises in light of the progress shown by the sector in Asia.
With the emergence of the Hong Kong Convention, which took effect in June 2025, ship recycling is an innovation that is seriously considered.
The condition of many ships and even seaports does not meet the standards of sustainability in light of modernization.
The level of greenhouse gas emissions in ships does not, in any way, align with the zero-emission policy.
Thus, there is a need to enforce existing frameworks and policies like the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework, the Green Port Action Plan, which aims at promoting sustainability in Chinese ports, South Korea’s policy on green technology investment, and renewable energy within the maritime sector, among others.
The road to sustainability is nowhere near smooth. Although the enactment of regulatory frameworks alone proves not to be enough, enforcement and collective responsibility of individuals and international organizations can change the narrative. While the governments of various Asian countries create regulatory frameworks, shipping companies and port operators have a role to play by ensuring that ships are constructed to satisfy sustainability needs.
5.0. CONCLUSION
The maritime and shipping industry plays a significant role in advancing global trade, economic growth, and integration.
However, the productivity of the sector is greatly threatened by environmental degradation, climate pollution, and a lack of sustainable infrastructure.
It is evident from the above discussions that sustainability is not a choice but a necessity for the advancement of the maritime sphere.
Ultimately, the sustainability of the maritime sector relies on the implementation of policies, climate-smart innovations, green shipbuilding, and renewable sources of energy.
The attainment of these will, stricto sensu, improve the quality and effectiveness of the sector, thereby creating a pivotal force for a sustainable global economy.
[1] ECSA, (2019) “An EU Maritime Growth Plan for Sustainable Maritime, Jobs, Growth and Competitiveness”
https://ecsa.eu/wp-content/uploads/publications/c0cec286f70b136304a9e2a44265d5fd.pdf (accessed on
15/07/2025).
[2] Fetting, C. (2020). “The European Green Deal”, ESDN Report, December 2020, ESDN Office, Vienna.
https://www.esdn.eu/fileadmin/ESDN_Reports/ESDN_Report_2_2020.pdf (accessed on 15/07/2025).
[3] UNCTAD “Principles for a Sustainable Blue Economy”
https://unctad.org/system/files/non-official-document/ditc-
ted-oceans-wwf-blue-economy-2016.pdf (accessed on 15/07/2025).
[4] AU “2050 AFRICA’S INTEGRATED MARITIME STRATEGY”
https://au.int/sites/default/files/newsevents/workingdocuments/33832-wd-african_union_3-1.pdf (accessed on
17/07/2025).
[5] AU Commission (2015). “Agenda 2063- The Africa We Want”
https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/36204-
doc-agenda2063_popular_version_en.pdf
(accessed on 17/07/2025).
[6] Remi Barral (2025) “Cargo Crime in Africa”
https://iumi.com/newsletter-march-2025/cargo-crime-in-africa/
(accessed on 17/07/2025)