The 2025 Annual Disclosure Report of the Sea Cargo Charter (SCC) reveals that most signatories have reduced their emissions intensity over the past year, reflecting a maturing commitment to climate alignment and transparency. However, the maritime industry must accelerate its efforts to meet the increasingly ambitious targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Emission Reductions Amid Tightening Targets
Of the 34 signatories reporting in 2025, 19 achieved reductions in emission intensity, and eight improved their climate alignment scores. This progress comes despite the challenge of meeting the stricter alignment trajectories introduced in the IMO’s 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy.
Collectively, the signatories represent about 18% of global wet and dry bulk cargo shipped by sea in 2024, making the SCC a key initiative for industry-wide transformation.
Climate Alignment Progress: A Mixed Picture
While gains were made, the industry still trails IMO targets:
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Signatories were on average 12% behind the IMO’s minimum climate goals.
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They were 18% behind the striving trajectory.
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Only five signatories met the minimum goal, and three aligned with the striving trajectory.
External challenges such as port limitations, unfavorable weather, inefficient routing, and short-term charter reliance contributed to lower alignment scores.
Improving Data Integrity and Operational Integration
Significant progress was made in data verification and transparency:
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90% of 2024 data was third-party verified, up from 50% the previous year.
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Many companies began integrating emissions data directly into operational and chartering decisions, signaling a shift from reporting to actionable change.
According to Engebret Dahm, vice chair of SCC and CEO of Klaveness Combination Carriers “This year’s results demonstrate that even as the IMO’s climate goals grow more ambitious, signatories are stepping up with greater transparency, operational improvements, and data integrity. The Charter is not just a reporting tool—it is a stepping stone toward achieving the IMO’s Greenhouse Gas Strategy and Global Transport Zero Framework.”
The Value of Voluntary Collaboration
The Sea Cargo Charter serves as more than a reporting framework—it enables:
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Shared learning and best practices
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Collaborative problem-solving across the industry
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A growing culture of accountability and trust
As Dahm emphasizes, voluntary initiatives like SCC are vital for fostering momentum in the face of tightening regulations and the need for cross-sector collaboration.
While the latest report demonstrates clear progress in emissions reduction and data transparency, greater urgency and collective action will be required to meet the IMO’s climate objectives. The Sea Cargo Charter continues to play a pivotal role in steering the global shipping industry toward a low-carbon, transparent, and accountable future.
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Source: SEA CARGO CHARTER
