Transitioning Toward
Sustainable Shipping:
Technology, People,
and Action

The decarbonization of international shipping is once again at a critical juncture. Discussions surrounding the IMO Net-Zero Framework are now facing multiple possible scenarios, including the adoption of the original framework, the introduction of amendments to make the requirements more acceptable to industry, or a possible further delay in adoption. At the MEPC meeting to be held this November, these issues are expected to be discussed as part of determining the future direction of the IMO Net-Zero Framework.

The outcome of IMO’s discussions may also influence the policy direction of the European Union. The EU has already introduced its own maritime decarbonization regulations, including the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime. However, it remains uncertain how the EU may adjust its policies depending on the decisions made at IMO. As global and regional regulations increasingly interact with one another, the shipping and shipbuilding industries are facing a more complex policy environment than ever before.

Nevertheless, as we have consistently emphasized, regulatory uncertainty does not change the direction of decarbonization itself. The pace may vary. The structure of the regulations may change. However, the decarbonization of shipping is no longer a matter of choice; it is an irreversible reality. What matters now is not simply waiting for future regulations to become clear, but focusing on what we should prepare and implement today amid uncertainty.

In this issue, Insights focuses on seafarer training and competency development in response to the emergence of various alternative fuels. LNG, methanol, and ammonia each have different risk characteristics and operational requirements. Therefore, the readiness of people who can safely operate these fuels is just as important as the technical transition of ships themselves. For the decarbonization transition to be truly sustainable, not only new fuels and equipment but also the competencies of the people who handle them must evolve together.

This issue also examines the future of seafarer education and training from the perspective of a just transition in the shipping industry. The expansion of alternative-fuelled ships is not merely a matter of introducing new technologies. It is also closely connected to seafarer qualifications, training, employment stability, and changes in international education standards. If decarbonization is to become a sustainable transformation for the entire industry, rather than a competitive advantage for only certain companies or countries, seafarer training and competency development must become a core foundation.

Alongside alternative fuels, this issue also takes an in-depth look at electric propulsion as an important pillar of green propulsion technology. Electric propulsion is not simply a propulsion method based on batteries. It is evolving into an electric power-based platform that can flexibly integrate batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and even next-generation energy sources such as SMRs. In an era when ships can no longer rely on a single fuel or a single propulsion system, electric propulsion may serve as an important technological foundation for integrating various green energy sources.

This issue also introduces digitalization technologies for GHG reduction. Operational optimization, data-based performance analysis, and digital solutions linked to international standards are helping to bring ship efficiency improvement and greenhouse gas reduction into a more practical domain. Decarbonization cannot be achieved through fuel transition alone. A realistic and sustainable reduction pathway can be established only when energy efficiency, operational measures, data utilization, and verification systems are combined.

In Regulatory Updates, we review the outcomes of MEPC 84 and subsequent IMO discussions, focusing on the future direction of IMO mid-term measures and the evolving regulatory environment. The structure and timing of the Net-Zero Framework, industry acceptability, and its relationship with EU regulations will have a significant impact on investment and technology choices across the shipping industry. In times of uncertainty, it is all the more important to understand the direction of regulations accurately and prepare for multiple possible scenarios.

In Inside KR, we introduce KR’s various activities to support the decarbonization transition of the shipping industry. These include the joint development and land-based demonstration of an ammonia engine exhaust gas aftertreatment system, the granting of Approval in Principle for a machine learning-based fuel savings calculation methodology, technical verification of an electric hybrid vessel and its achievement of green ship certification, and the development of ammonia wastewater management standards and response procedures for NOx reduction technologies. Each of these represents KR’s practical efforts to implement decarbonization in the field.

In particular, KR has played a leading technical role in the revision discussions of the new IGC Code, helping to ensure that the shipbuilding and shipping industries can apply the new requirements without unnecessary confusion or burden. Key proposals submitted by KR were reflected in the final approval text at IMO, contributing to the rationality and practical applicability of international regulations. This is an important example of KR’s role not only in responding to regulations, but also in reflecting industry realities and demonstrating technical leadership in the development of international standards.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all contributors who shared their valuable manuscripts and insights for this issue. In particular, we extend our special thanks to Professor Doo Hyun-wook of the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology, who highlighted the importance of a just transition and seafarer education and training in the shipping industry, and to Mr. Do Hyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus, who shared valuable perspectives on how digital technologies and autonomous navigation can contribute to the decarbonization transition.

The journey toward decarbonization will not be easy. Regulations may fluctuate, markets may remain unpredictable, and technology options will continue to expand. Yet the direction is clear. The decarbonization of shipping has already begun, and the key question is no longer “when to start,” but “what to implement now.”

We hope this issue will serve as a useful guide for the shipping and shipbuilding industries as they review the tasks ahead, prepare for an uncertain regulatory environment, and take practical steps toward a more realistic and sustainable decarbonization strategy.