In a bid to navigate the choppy waters of carbon regulations, a recent study has charted a course for the maritime sector, highlighting the most critical factors affecting the industry’s response to tightening emissions rules. Led by Ozan Hikmet Arıcan from the Maritime Business Management Department at Kocaeli University’s Maritime Faculty in Turkey, the research employs a trio of methodologies—Fuzzy Delphi, Fuzzy DEMATEL, and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)—to dissect the impacts of carbon regulations on maritime transportation.
The study, published in the journal ‘Systems’ (which translates to ‘Systems’ in English), identifies “Fuel Preferences and Alternative Fuel Usage” as the most critical factor under current international regulations. This finding underscores the urgent need for the maritime industry to explore and adopt alternative fuels to meet decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) for 2050.
Arıcan and his team also pinpointed “Adaptation to International and National Regulations” and “Port Infrastructure” as key factors impacting shipping industry efficiency. The analysis revealed that “Logistics Costs” and “Environmental Protection and Sustainability” are the most significantly affected outcome factors within the system. Notably, “Port Infrastructure” emerged as a defining starting point in the hierarchical structural modeling, indicating its pivotal role in the maritime sector’s response to carbon regulations.
The study offers a valuable decision-support tool for maritime companies and policymakers, providing an alternative roadmap and a structural model to prioritize strategic areas for achieving low-carbon emission goals. “This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the causal relationships among the factors determining the effectiveness of ever-evolving carbon emission regulations,” Arıcan stated.
For maritime professionals, the research highlights several commercial impacts and opportunities. The emphasis on alternative fuels presents an opportunity for investment in research and development, as well as collaboration with energy sector innovators. Additionally, the focus on port infrastructure suggests that ports investing in green technologies and sustainable practices may gain a competitive edge.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of adapting to international and national regulations, which can help maritime companies avoid costly penalties and reputational damage. By proactively addressing these factors, maritime businesses can enhance their resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly regulated and environmentally conscious market.
In essence, the research by Arıcan and his team serves as a compass for the maritime sector, guiding stakeholders through the complex landscape of carbon regulations and towards a more sustainable future.