Dr. Anil Sharma Urges Broader View of Decarbonization in Shipping at Capital Link Forum
At the Capital Link Forum this week, Dr. Anil Sharma, a prominent voice in maritime sustainability, highlighted a frequently overlooked contributor to shipping emissions: the shipbuilding process itself, particularly the carbon footprint of steel production.
“Roughly 40% of a vessel’s lifetime emissions occur before it ever sets sail,” Dr. Sharma noted. “This changes how we need to think about sustainability.”
While much of the industry’s focus has been on cleaner propulsion systems and alternative fuels, Dr. Sharma’s remarks bring attention to emissions embedded in the construction phase. Steel, a key material in shipbuilding, is one of the most carbon-intensive products globally.
In light of these findings, Dr. Sharma advocated for strategies that extend vessel lifespans and improve end-of-life recycling. “We cannot afford to ignore the carbon cost of building new ships every decade,” he said. “Sustainability must include maximising the use of existing fleets and recycling responsibly.”
His comments come at a crucial time as the maritime sector races to meet international emissions targets. The transition to green fuels remains years—if not decades—away for most fleets, making efficiency and lifecycle emissions management even more critical.
Dr. Sharma’s reminder underscores a growing consensus that decarbonization must be holistic. From shipyard to scrapyard, every stage of a vessel’s life contributes to its carbon footprint—and therefore must be part of the solution.
