Green shipping networks as drivers of decarbonization in offshore shipping companies

Abstract

Within the next 30 years, shipping companies must find their zero-emissions route. However, there is no consensus on which technologies and fuels are the most appropriate to decarbonize shipping. Shipping companies are now navigating the flows of trends and new technologies and fuels. At the same time, the “cluster trend” raises expectations that “green networks,” “green clusters” and “cleantech clusters” will aid sustainability transitions. This qualitative multiple case study of three Norwegian offshore shipping companies analyzes the drivers that shape the companies’ strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with particular focus on how the strategies are impacted by membership in green shipping networks. Process tracing is used to track the case companies’ approaches to emissions reduction from 2008 to 2020, the main drivers of emissions reduction, and whether changes in strategy are linked to network membership. This study finds that the main drivers have been initiatives by internal key persons, participation in voluntary programs, mandatory regulations, and customer demand. The analysis shows no major shifts in strategy after joining a green shipping network; however, it does show two ways that network membership may impact the way shipping companies work with emissions reduction. First, membership can lead to adjustments and smaller changes as shipping companies collect information about new trends and technologies. Second, one-on-one guidance and support for preparing funding applications from network administrations may lead to the adoption of zero-emissions technology or fuels.