12.1 Introduction

Because of its large dependence on fossil fuels, global shipping is estimated to be responsible for around 2–3% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is more emissions than any European Union (EU) State. According to the EU Commission; if the shipping sector was a company, it would rank sixth in emissions in the world.3 The situation is even more dramatic at EU level where shipping accounted for 13% of emissions from transport.4 According to a new study from the International Maritime Organization (IMO); the Fourth IMO GHG Study 2020, emissions from shipping will continue to increase.5 Depending on the development in world markets related to the Covid-19 pandemic, emissions are projected to increase from about 90% of 2008 emissions in 2018 to 90–130% of 2008 emissions by 2050.