This article was originally published in BDO Spotlight - April 2025
The maritime industry is one of the world’s most significant sectors, accounting for over 80% of global trade by volume. The maritime sector's challenges are particularly pronounced in Asia, which is home to some of the busiest and most strategic ports and shipping routes in the world.
As environmental concerns intensify, the marine sector in Asia is undergoing significant transformations as the region grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, overexploitation of marine resources, and the growing need for sustainable development. This article delves into the key sustainability trends emerging within Asia’s maritime sector, highlighting efforts to reduce environmental impact, promote marine conservation, and advance green technologies.
1. Decarbonisation and Low-Carbon Shipping
One of the most pressing concerns within the marine sector is the industry’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), international shipping accounts for around 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions—a figure expected to grow unless decisive actions are taken.
To address this, many Asian countries are leading the way in decarbonising their fleets and adopting low-carbon shipping solutions. Major shipping giants in China, Japan, and South Korea have begun investing in alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, and ammonia. Singapore, being one of the world’s largest bunkering ports, has also expanded its LNG bunkering capabilities, led by suppliers such as FueLNG, TotalEnergies and Pavillion Energy. These fuels are seen as stepping stones toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, a target set by the IMO.
Moreover, countries like Japan are exploring the potential of hydrogen-powered vessels, with the likes of Iwatani Corp announcing the completion of a vessel that runs completely on hydrogen fuel cells to transport passengers to and from the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo . Meanwhile, South Korea’s shipping industry is investing in the development of ammonia-powered eco-friendly ships, with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy supporting a project to construct a 23,000 cubic-meter ammonia bunkering ship . These innovations, paired with fuel efficiency measures and optimisation technologies, reflect a broader commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of Asia’s marine industry.
2. Adoption of Green Ports and Infrastructure
Ports play a central role in global trade and are therefore critical to advancing sustainability in the marine sector. The development of green ports is a growing trend across Asia, as these ports aim to minimise environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable operations.
Singapore, a leading maritime hub, is a prime example of a port pioneering sustainable infrastructure. The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) has invested heavily in green technologies, such as automated cargo handling systems, and is forging ahead with plans to achieve full electrification of its port equipment by 2027 as part of the Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050.
China, with its ambitious green policies, has also started to focus on green ports as part of its Green Maritime Development initiative. The country is investing in infrastructure to support LNG refuelling stations, emission reductions, and the electrification of port vehicles to further reduce carbon emissions from port operations, with Weifang Port setting the course for China’s green maritime future.
3. Marine Conservation and Protecting Marine Ecosystems
Asia’s marine ecosystems, which support vital biodiversity and provide critical resources for local communities, are under increasing threat from marine pollution caused by shipping activities through discharge of ballast water, oil spills, and plastic waste, as well as overfishing and habitat destruction. As a result, marine conservation has become a central concern for the region’s marine sector.
Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia are leading efforts to protect coral reefs, which are crucial for sustaining marine biodiversity and supporting fisheries. Collaborative initiatives such as the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security focus on conserving coral ecosystems and promoting sustainable fisheries in the region.
The rise of eco-tourism, particularly in nations like Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, also provides a financial incentive to protect marine environments. By promoting sustainable tourism that emphasises conservation and restoration, these countries aim to mitigate the environmental impacts of mass tourism while stimulating infrastructural development in mangrove-dependent local communities.
4. Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
The marine sector in Asia is increasingly adopting circular economy principles to minimise waste and promote the reuse of materials . The shipping industry, which generates significant waste, is under growing pressure to implement strategies that reduce its environmental footprint.
One notable trend is the push toward reducing plastic waste in the oceans, a major concern for marine ecosystems. According to United Nations estimates, plastic accounts for 80% of the waste in the ocean. Nine of the top ten highest ocean plastic-polluting countries are in Asia: the Philippines, India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Thailand . Addressing the plastic waste in the region is therefore imperative, not only for Asia’s green growth aspirations but also for the health of the whole planet.
In 2020, China’s shipping industry rolled out initiatives to ban the disposal of plastics at sea and promote the recycling of waste generated during voyages.
Moreover, the concept of ship recycling has gained momentum in countries like India and Bangladesh, where most of the world's shipbreaking activities take place. Efforts to improve safety, reduce pollution, and enhance waste management at these facilities are gradually transforming the ship recycling industry into a more sustainable sector.
5. Smart Shipping and Technological Innovation
Technological advancements in digitalisation and automation are playing a pivotal role in driving sustainability in Asia’s marine sector. Smart shipping, powered by Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data, is improving operational efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Asian countries, particularly Japan (e.g. Nippon Foundation, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding and Shin Nihonkai Ferry) and South Korea (e.g. Samsung and Hyundai), are investing heavily in autonomous ships and AI-driven navigational systems that can optimise routing, monitor vessel performance, and reduce fuel consumption. These technologies not only improve safety but also help reduce emissions by allowing vessels to operate more efficiently.
Singapore’s planned development of its Tuas Port by 2040 aims to establish it as one of the world’s largest fully automated container terminals. The port will leverage cutting-edge technologies utilising AI, automated digital systems and electrification to enhance operational efficiency while significantly reducing emissions.
In addition, blockchain technology is being explored to streamline supply chains and reduce administrative overheads in shipping, contributing to overall efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of logistical operations.
6. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
Government policies and regulations are crucial drivers of sustainability in the marine sector. Across Asia, national and regional policies are increasingly being aligned with global sustainability frameworks, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the IMO’s decarbonisation targets.
China, for example, has enacted ambitious green shipbuilding policies, encouraging the development of eco-friendly vessels. Similarly, Japan’s maritime strategy emphasises sustainability and innovation, particularly in maritime decarbonisation efforts.
South Korea has also enacted policies to support green growth in the maritime industry, with a strong emphasis on investment in green technologies, including renewable energy sources for maritime operations and sustainable shipbuilding practices.
Singapore has also established various green shipping corridors through the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) with other leading global hub ports such as the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Port of Los Angeles to drive transformation efforts towards maritime decarbonisation.
Conclusion
As the marine sector in Asia continues to grow and evolve, sustainability is emerging as a cornerstone of its future development. From the decarbonisation of shipping to the promotion of marine conservation and the adoption of green technologies, the region is making strides toward a more sustainable maritime future. However, challenges remain, so continued innovation, investment, and collaboration will be key to ensuring that Asia’s marine sector contributes to a healthy, resilient ocean ecosystem while meeting the demands of global trade.
References
- Japan’s first commercial hydrogen boat to set sail at expo | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15496824
- Korea invests $179 million in shipbuilding eyeing eco-friendly boats, welding robots: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/korea-invests-179-million-in-shipbuilding-eyeing-eco-friendly-boats-welding-robots/ar-AA1yNnF7?ocid=BingNewsVerp
- Maritime Singapore Decarbonisation Blueprint: Working Towards 2050: https://www.mpa.gov.sg/docs/mpalibraries/mpa-documents-files/sustainability-office/mpa-decarb-blueprint-2050a.pdf
- Leading the charge: Weifang Port sets the course for China’s green maritime future: https://www.gac.com/insights/leading-the-charge-weifang-port-sets-the-course-for-chinas-green-maritime-future
- Coral Triangle Initiative On Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security: https://coraltriangleinitiative.org/
- Ecotourism and mangrove conservation in Southeast Asia: Current trends and perspectives: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479724015159
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- World Economic Forum: How to defeat the plastic tide threatening the ASEAN region’s green growth: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/10/defeat-plastic-tide-threatening-asean-green-growth/
- China Development Brief: China’s Ban on Plastic Waste Imports and the Way Forward: https://chinadevelopmentbrief.org/reports/chinas-ban-on-plastic-waste-imports-and-the-way-forward/
- Japanese Consortium Ticks Off Autonomous Shipping Milestone: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g02047/
- Navigating the Future: Advancements in Autonomous Shipping: https://www.dacbeachcroft.com/en/What-we-think/Navigating-the-Future-Advancements-in-Autonomous-Shipping