Network-led advocacy for a green shipping transformation: A case study of governance networks in the Norwegian maritime sector

Abstract

Climate action has until recently been slow in the shipping industry. The sector is notoriously difficult to regulate by individual states, and international governance is moving slowly. In such a context, networks of actors can potentially contribute to a sustainability transition. In Norway, which is widely considered a leader in maritime environmental innovations, two networks have become prominent. This article studies how the cluster organization Norwegian Centre of Expertise Maritime CleanTech and the public–private partnership named the Green Shipping Programme have developed, gained influence in policymaking, and are now taking part in governing a transition toward low- and zero-emission shipping. I argue that these governance networks gained governance capacity because of how network organization allow for utilization of the resources of individual members. The resources of individual network members are “mixed and matched” through network activities. In particular, the combination of technical expertise, lobbying expertise, and relational capital is important when a network seeks to influence policy in sustainability transitions.