WSC World Ocean Day Statement 2025

On this World Ocean Day, we celebrate the immense value of the Ocean – a source of life, food, energy, and biodiversity, and a vital ally in the fight against global warming. The Ocean produces half of the world’s oxygen, and as the world’s largest carbon sink, absorbs a quarter of all CO₂ emissions. It sustains communities, supports economies, and literally keeps world trade afloat – carrying the ships that deliver 80% of everything we humans need. 

For those of us in the maritime industry, the Ocean is more than a backdrop – it is our workplace, our partner, and our shared responsibility.  

Shipping is the backbone of global trade and economic growth, connecting communities around the world – but we account for up to 3% of global GHG emissions. That’s why liner shipping is investing massively in the transition to clean fuels and technologies.  

Investing USD 150 billion to decarbonise shipping and protect the Ocean  

• Today, nearly 80% of all new container ships and vehicle carriers on order are designed to run on zero/near-zero GHG emissions fuels (ZNZ fuels)

• Already, 200 such vessels are in operation   

• By 2030, at least 1,000 new container and vehicle carriers designed to run on zero or near-zero emissions fuels and technologies will be on the water

• That represents an investment by liner ocean carriers of more than USD 150 billion

IMO GHG Global regulation essential to scale ZNZ fuels and technologies

We are proud to have contributed to the International Maritime Organization’s unprecedented agreement on global regulations to reduce GHG emissions from shipping. This agreement provides the clarity and direction needed to scale investment and innovation. But there is still much to do. Zero/near-zero fuels remain three to six times more expensive than fossil fuels, and the global infrastructure to produce and deliver them is still emerging. Strong policy frameworks and public-private cooperation are essential to bridge this gap. 

This is not just a ship-by-ship transition - it’s a full systems transformation across fuels, supply chains, ports, and people. The choices we make today will determine the future of the Ocean, of global trade, and of generations to come. 

Beyond decarbonisation, we are committed to protecting the Ocean’s biodiversity and the extraordinary creatures we share it with. That means preventing ship strikes, reducing underwater noise, and supporting measures that safeguard marine ecosystems. 

On World Ocean Day, we reaffirm our commitment: to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, to protect marine biodiversity, and to be part of the solution. The Ocean gives so much - we must give back. 

Joe Kramek President & CEO World Shipping Council