by Ewa Kochańska

The maritime sector has made measurable progress in reducing its impact on global oceans, but it remains well short of the scale and pace of change needed to meet its 2030 ambitions, according to the first Shipping and Ocean Health 2026 progress report.

This extensive publication, which shows where the industry stands on ocean health and biodiversity, found both positive and concerning developments.

A bright spot is that tighter international limits on underwater noise and ship recycling are taking effect, while investments in green vessel tech continue to ramp up.

There is also a clearer grasp of shipping's total footprint, backed by a fast-growing market for eco-conscious funding.

On the other hand, measures to protect marine life are advancing too slowly, funding for ocean protection is subpar, and issues ranging from pollution and biofouling to marine spatial planning need much more attention.

The report concluded that the industry possesses sufficient tools and knowledge to have a more considerable impact and should now channel its notable successes into coordinated, industry-wide action.

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