Editor's
Note

In the fall of 2025, the maritime industry’s decarbonization journey moved from setting direction to executing action. Following the formal adoption of the Net-Zero GHG Framework at the 83rd IMO MEPC in April, international shipping now has a clear and measurable pathway for greenhouse gas reduction. Decarbonization is no longer a matter of voluntary commitment — it is evolving into an integrated management system that connects operations, fuel, certification, and data within a unified framework.

Meanwhile, the formal adoption of the Net-Zero GHG Frameworkhas been postponed for one year, temporarily adding uncertainty to the regulatory timeline. However, this delay represents only a shift in timing — not in direction. Humanity’s efforts to combat global warming continue, and the decarbonization of international shipping has already become an irreversible course toward a sustainable future. Ultimately, the question is no longer when to begin, but rather what actions we take now to make that future real.

In the European Union, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime have already come into force, translating greenhouse gas emissions directly into monetary costs. Shipowners must now demonstrate their decarbonization strategies through tangible performance, while shipyards and equipment manufacturers are entering an era in which alternative fuel technologies, energy-saving devices (ESDs), and operational efficiency solutions must all undergo systematic verification.

In this issue, we focus on performance analysis based on operational data and the estimation of ESD performance, exploring how real-world operational insights can drive energy efficiency improvements and enable quantitative performance validation. Operational data is no longer merely a reporting metric — it has become a key asset for demonstrating fuel savings and quantifying emission reductions. Based on this data, KR is developing analytical and modeling methodologies to evaluate propulsion efficiency and estimate the performance of various ESDs. This research is expected to evolve into an international verification standard that aligns not only with EEXI and CII assessments but also with the FuelEU Maritime MRV framework.

This issue also features KR’s recent work on biofuel commercialization and the development of the ‘KR SusBio’ notation. Biofuels have already emerged a practical alternative fuel, recognized by both the IMO and the EU as one of the most viable pathways for low-carbon transition. In response, KR has developed the ‘KR SusBio’ notation, which comprehensively evaluates the fuel’s type, blending ratio, combustion characteristics, storage and handling safety, and engine certification requirements.

This notation provides assurance for both the sustainability and operational safety of biofuels, supporting compliance with international regulations while strengthening the commercial reliability of ships operating with alternative fuels.

We are also pleased to include an exclusive interview with Dr. Evi Politi, R&D Director at Danaos Shipping. Dr. Politi shared broad insights across a spectrum of technical and policy issues — including the transition to alternative fuels, ESD implementation, digital optimization of operations, the allocation of carbon tax burdens, the potential application of SMR (Small Modular Reactors) to shipping, and the geopolitical implications of U.S. shipbuilding and maritime policies on the global decarbonization landscape.

She emphasized that “decarbonization is not merely a technological challenge, but a complex issue interwoven with policy, market, and energy security.”

To address this, Danaos has developed a data-driven operational decision-making platform that integrates real-time energy management with comparative analysis of emission reductions and cost efficiency across multiple fuel options.

Dr. Politi also highlighted the growing importance of classification societies and accredited institutions in establishing common frameworks for technical verification and data standardization, underscoring the need for a shared, reliable data ecosystem across the maritime sector. Her perspective extends beyond the technological dimension of decarbonization, offering a balanced view of its political and economic context.

This reminds us that maritime decarbonization is no longer a matter of isolated technologies but a comprehensive transformation requiring both international cooperation and policy alignment.

The Inside KR section of this issue showcase KR’s collaborative achievements at Gastech 2025, featuring joint developments and Approvals in Principle (AiPs) with leading shipyards, engine makers, and equipment manufacturers on next-generation clean technologies such as ammonia, LNG, and offshore wind. These outcomes reflect the strengthened spirit of industry collaboration fostered through Gastech 2025 and underscore KR’s expanding role as a trusted partner in the verification of green and alternative fuel technologies on the global stage.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all domestic and international experts who contributed to this issue, and especially to Dr. Evi Politi of Danaos Shipping for sharing her valuable insights.

As we move forward, the focus is no longer on setting goals but on delivering results. KR will continue to serve as a “Bridge for Decarbonization”, connecting technological integrity with industrial sustainability — and helping to shape the future of international shipping.