Glossary of Maritime Sustainability
Below you will find the most comprehensive A–Z glossary of ESG, sustainability, and corporate reporting terms for the maritime, offshore energy, and industrial sectors. Entries include key terms, global policy instruments, and standards, as well as prominent NGOs and trade associations. Where appropriate, we’ve included direct links and useful definitions, perfect for compliance teams, communicators, and sustainability professionals looking to bookmark a free and comprehensive resource. If you spot something missing, please get in touch and we’ll add it!
B
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)
The world’s largest international shipping association, representing shipowners and operators. BIMCO develops standard contracts and provides guidance on decarbonization and ESG compliance.
Ballast Water Management Convention
This IMO regulation requires ships to treat and manage ballast water to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Biodiversity Net Gain
A development approach that leaves nature better off than before. Applied in port expansion and offshore construction projects under stricter biodiversity rules.
Blue Bonds
Similar to green bonds but focused on sustainable ocean and water-based projects, including marine conservation and clean shipping initiatives.
C
Carbon Intensity Reduction Targets
Goals set by organisations to lower CO₂ emissions per tonne-mile of cargo moved. Central to CII compliance and ESG benchmarking in shipping.
Carbon Offset
A credit representing a reduction in greenhouse gases, used to compensate for emissions elsewhere. Frequently used by shipping lines and airlines in voluntary ESG strategies.
Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (CPLC)
A World Bank–led initiative bringing together governments and industry to promote carbon pricing mechanisms. Relevant for shipping stakeholders planning for carbon levies or market-based measures.
[https://www.carbonpricingleadership.org/]
CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)
CDP is a leading disclosure platform for climate, water, and forest risk data. Many maritime and energy companies use CDP reporting to showcase transparency and benchmark ESG performance.
CEEQUAL
An evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating infrastructure projects on their environmental and social impacts. Useful in industrial port and maritime developments.
CII Rating Disclosure
Publication of a vessel’s annual Carbon Intensity Indicator (A–E) rating, required by charterers and cargo owners as part of ESG risk assessment.
Circular Economy
An economic model focused on reducing waste and keeping materials in use. Supports ship recycling, waste management, and sustainable port design.
Clean Shipping Coalition (CSC)
An environmental NGO with observer status at the IMO, advocating for stricter environmental standards and sustainable shipping policies.
Clean Shipping Index
An independent rating system evaluating ships and operators based on their environmental performance. Used by cargo owners and regulators.
Climate Risk Disclosure
The reporting of climate-related risks to operations and finance, including transition and physical risks. Vital for shipowners and energy companies in TCFD-aligned filings and strategic planning.
Climate Scenario Analysis
A method for evaluating how different climate futures could impact business operations, regulation, and risk. Required under TCFD.
CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)
The CSRD dramatically expands sustainability reporting in the EU, affecting thousands of companies including non-EU maritime operators. It requires detailed ESG disclosures aligned with ESRS and double materiality principles.
D
Double Materiality
An EU concept requiring companies to assess both the impact of ESG factors on the business and the business’s impact on society and the environment.
E
Emissions Factor
A coefficient expressing emissions produced per unit of activity (e.g., fuel burned). Used in voyage calculations, GHG inventories, and regulatory compliance tools.
Emissions Reduction Agreement (ERA)
Contractual frameworks between stakeholders (e.g., ports and carriers) to cooperate on reducing emissions through shared commitments.
Energy Management Onboard (SEEMP Part III)
Part of the IMO’s carbon intensity regulation, SEEMP Part III outlines how a ship will meet its annual CII targets through operational planning.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
A legal or voluntary review of a project’s environmental effects, typically required for port expansions, shipyards, and offshore developments.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
EPDs offer standardized life cycle assessments for materials and products. For maritime and industrial manufacturers, EPDs help communicate environmental impact transparently to regulators and customers.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Framework
A structured system guiding how companies measure, manage, and report their performance on sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Essential for aligning maritime operations with investor expectations and regulatory standards.
ESG Audit
A structured assessment of a company’s ESG data, practices, and disclosures. Ensures accuracy for regulatory and investor-facing reporting.
ESG Communication Strategy
A tailored messaging approach used to effectively communicate a company’s sustainability commitments, achievements, and priorities to stakeholders, including media, investors, and customers.
ESG Competency Framework
Outlines the ESG knowledge and skills required at various levels of a company, from board to operations. Supports workforce readiness.
ESG Due Diligence
A process to identify, assess, and mitigate ESG risks in supply chains and acquisitions. Increasingly expected by investors, regulators, and clients across industrial sectors.
ESG Executive Oversight
Refers to board-level or senior management responsibility for ESG strategy and disclosure. A governance best practice for listed or investor-facing firms.
ESG Grievance Mechanism
Formal channels for stakeholders to raise concerns about a company’s ESG conduct. Promotes accountability and is often required under sustainability frameworks.
ESG Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Specific metrics used to track and communicate ESG performance. In shipping, examples include CO₂ per transport work or seafarer retention rates.
ESG Materiality Matrix
A visual tool plotting ESG topics by their importance to stakeholders and business impact. Guides reporting priorities and strategy.
ESG Narrative
The overarching story that ties together a company’s sustainability commitments, actions, and values. Vital for PR, brand building, and investor relations.
ESG Ratings Agencies
Organizations that evaluate and score companies on ESG performance. Ratings influence investment access and brand reputation in the maritime and industrial sectors.
ESG Ratings Disclosure
Publishing third-party ESG scores or ratings to enhance investor confidence. Especially relevant when issuing sustainability-linked financial instruments.
ESG Regulatory Horizon Scanning
The process of monitoring upcoming sustainability-related legislation to prepare for future disclosure, tax, or compliance obligations.
ESG Reporting Software
Digital tools designed to collect, manage, and report ESG data in line with frameworks like GRI, TCFD, and CSRD. Used by maritime and energy firms to streamline compliance.
ESG Risk Register
A management tool used to track ESG risks across operations and supply chains. Supports proactive mitigation and transparent reporting.
ESG Scenario Planning
Strategic forecasting of how regulatory, environmental, and market trends may affect future ESG performance. Informs resilient business planning.
ESG Training Programmes
Formal education initiatives to embed ESG literacy within maritime and industrial organizations—from deck crew to boardroom leadership.
ESG Transparency Statement
A formal declaration published by companies outlining ESG priorities, commitments, and progress, often placed on corporate websites.
European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)
An EU agency supporting implementation of maritime safety and environmental legislation. EMSA operates tools like THETIS-MRV and supports EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance.
F
FuelEU Maritime
An EU regulation that mandates a reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of energy used onboard ships calling at EU ports. Crucial for compliance planning, fuel strategy, and ESG reporting.
G
GFI (Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity)
A metric approved by the IMO at MEPC 83 to regulate and reduce the GHG intensity of marine fuels on a well-to-wake basis. Part of the IMO Net-Zero Framework, GFI is calculated as the amount of GHG emitted per unit of energy used and includes methane and nitrous oxide. A global fuel standard will enforce continuous GHG reductions, while a global economic measure introduces penalties for excess emissions and rewards for low-GHG technologies. GFI is central to decarbonization planning and ESG compliance for shipping.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
One of the most widely used sustainability reporting frameworks, offering comprehensive guidance for disclosing ESG impacts across industries, including shipping and energy.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory
A detailed account of an organization’s emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. Central to climate reporting under TCFD, CDP, and ISO standards.
Green Loans
Loans used to finance green projects or assets that meet environmental criteria. In maritime, these may fund fuel transition, vessel retrofits, or low-carbon infrastructure.
Green Marine
A North American environmental certification program for the maritime industry that provides ESG performance benchmarking and third-party verification.
Green Shipping Corridor
A route between two or more ports along which zero-emission shipping is supported by aligned policies, infrastructure, and investment.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)
A global standard for calculating and reporting corporate emissions. Used by maritime companies to assess Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across value chains.
H
Hazardous Materials Inventory (IHM)
A required document under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation that lists hazardous materials onboard a vessel. Integral to compliance with ESG-related ship disposal laws.
Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)
The process of identifying and mitigating human rights risks across supply chains. Increasingly required under EU and national ESG regulations.
I
IMO (International Maritime Organization)
The UN agency responsible for regulating shipping. Its environmental, safety, and labor conventions form the backbone of maritime ESG compliance.
IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
A performance-based metric rating ships A–E based on their emissions per transport work. Mandatory from 2023 under MARPOL Annex VI.
IMO Data Collection System (DCS)
An IMO-mandated system requiring ships to report fuel consumption and other emissions-related data annually to flag states.
IMO GHG Strategy
The IMO’s framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, including targets for 2030, 2040, and net-zero by 2050.
IMO LCA Guidelines
Lifecycle assessment guidelines from the IMO to standardize how emissions are calculated for marine fuels. Critical for FuelEU compliance.
IMO MEPC Resolutions
Environmental regulations and decisions adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee. Drive compliance and shape ESG strategy.
IMO Unified Interpretations
Clarifications or agreements on how to apply IMO rules consistently. Often relevant in ESG compliance around fuel standards and emissions data.
Impact Reporting
Sustainability reporting that focuses on the tangible outcomes of ESG initiatives—such as emissions avoided or communities supported—beyond activity tracking.
International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
A technical and regulatory body of leading classification societies that helps shape ESG compliance through safety, emissions, and lifecycle standards.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
A principal trade association for shipowners, ICS represents industry views at the IMO and develops practical guidance on emissions, safety, and ESG reporting.
[https://www.ics-shipping.org/]
International Energy Agency (IEA)
Although not maritime-specific, IEA provides widely referenced emissions data and decarbonization models used in maritime energy transition strategies.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The UN agency responsible for regulating international shipping. Develops conventions such as MARPOL and SOLAS that define environmental and safety standards globally.
International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds)
A set of intergovernmental organizations providing compensation for oil pollution damage resulting from tanker spills. Critical to marine environmental risk frameworks.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Supports the transition to renewable energy globally. Increasingly relevant for offshore wind and alternative marine fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. [https://www.irena.org/]
International Transport Forum (ITF)
An OECD-affiliated think tank that includes maritime transport in broader global transport policy, including emissions reduction strategies. [https://www.itf-oecd.org/]
ISO 14001
An international standard for environmental management systems (EMS). Commonly adopted by ports, shipowners, and industrial facilities to structure ESG commitments.
ISO 50001
An international standard for energy management systems (EnMS). Helps maritime and energy companies improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.
J
Just-In-Time (JIT) Arrival
A port efficiency measure reducing ship emissions by coordinating arrival with berth availability. Gaining traction as an operational ESG measure.
L
Lifecycle Emissions
The total GHG emissions associated with a product or fuel from production to disposal or combustion. Used to assess marine fuels under FuelEU Maritime.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A technique for assessing the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service. Key in maritime for evaluating ship designs, fuels, and materials.
M
Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN)
A global business network working toward eliminating corruption in maritime trade, often referenced in governance-related ESG audits.
[https://www.maritime-acn.org/]
Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC)
A key decision-making body of the IMO for environmental issues. Develops and enforces regulations like EEXI, CII, and GHG strategy.
[https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Marine-Environment-Protection.aspx]
Maritime ESG Index
A benchmarking tool used to evaluate shipping, offshore, or maritime logistics companies based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance indicators. While not yet standardized, the Maritime ESG Index typically incorporates emissions intensity, safety metrics, labor practices, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Methodologies may be proprietary (e.g., by RightShip, S&P Global, or banks) and are used by cargo owners, financiers, and regulators to assess sustainability leadership, climate alignment, and ESG-related risks. These indices increasingly influence investment decisions, chartering preferences, and access to capital.A benchmarking tool or service ranking companies in the shipping or offshore sectors based on ESG performance indicators.
Maritime Safety Management System (SMS)
A structured system for ensuring safe ship operations and crew welfare, required under the ISM Code and integral to the 'S' in ESG.
Methane and Nitrous Oxide Guidelines
IMO-developed technical procedures for measuring CH₄ and N₂O emissions from marine engines. These potent GHGs are now integrated into lifecycle GHG calculations.
N
Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA)
An analytical framework to assess the best environmental outcome among response options. Used in offshore spill response planning.
Net-Zero Strategy
A comprehensive decarbonization plan that aligns emissions reduction targets with science-based climate goals. Central to investor and regulatory ESG alignment.
NGO Shipbreaking Platform
A coalition of environmental, human rights, and labor organizations advocating for safe and sustainable ship recycling practices.
[https://shipbreakingplatform.org/]
O
Ocean Conservancy
An NGO advocating for ocean health, often involved in marine debris policy, port sustainability, and climate resilience planning.
[https://oceanconservancy.org/]
OECD Working Party on Shipbuilding
Addresses global competition and sustainability in shipbuilding. Supports ESG alignment in shipyard development and capacity planning.
[https://www.oecd.org/sti/ind/shipbuilding.htm]
P
Paris Agreement Alignment
Ensuring operations, investments, and emissions reductions are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Central to long-term ESG strategy.
Port Community System (PCS)
Digital platforms that streamline data exchange across port stakeholders. When embedded with ESG data, they support efficient, transparent reporting.
Port Electrification
The process of transitioning ports to electric equipment and shore power, reducing GHG and air pollutant emissions at berth.
Poseidon Principles
A global framework for financial institutions to integrate climate considerations into shipping portfolios by aligning lending with IMO decarbonization targets.
[https://www.poseidonprinciples.org/]
R
Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO)
A FuelEU Maritime term for e-fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia. Vessels using RFNBOs may gain regulatory or commercial advantages.
S
Sea Cargo Charter
A charter developed by charterers and cargo owners to measure and report emissions from shipping activities in line with climate goals.
[https://www.seacargocharter.org/]
Seafarer Wellbeing Metrics
Quantifiable indicators related to health, safety, mental wellbeing, and working conditions of crew—key for social performance tracking.
Social Licence to Operate
Refers to community acceptance of a company’s presence and operations. In ports or offshore projects, ESG transparency is key to maintaining this trust.
Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI)
A multi-stakeholder platform working toward sustainable maritime transport, developing tools and guidance to support ESG leadership.
[https://www.sustainableshipping.org/]
T
Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT)
A UK-based initiative creating gold-standard guidance for net-zero transition plans, relevant for shipping companies with UK-linked operations or stakeholders.
U
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Publishes influential research on maritime trade, transport emissions, and sustainability policy. [https://unctad.org/]
W
Well-to-Wake Approach
A lifecycle emissions accounting method that covers upstream (fuel production and transport) and downstream (combustion) emissions. Now integral to IMO fuel metrics like GFI.
World Ports Climate Action Program (WPCAP)
An initiative by leading ports to collaborate on climate action, including shore power, digitalisation, and alternative fuel infrastructure.
[https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/world-ports-climate-action-programme]
World Shipping Council (WSC)
Represents the liner shipping industry and advocates for regulatory frameworks that support decarbonisation and ESG performance.
[https://www.worldshipping.org/]
Z
Zero Emission Shipping Mission (ZESM)
A global coalition under the Mission Innovation platform, accelerating the development of zero-emission vessels and infrastructure by 2030.
[https://mission-innovation.net/missions/zero-emission-shipping/]