In an exclusive interview, Ram Ganesh Kamatham, Head of Programmes at the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) emphasizes the vital importance of ensuring a just transition for the maritime workforce—one that is equitable and supports livelihoods while advancing the decarbonization of the sector. He also highlights that an inclusive and diverse workforce is essential for the long-term resilience of the industry.
Regarding the industry’s ESG agenda, Kamatham stresses the need to focus on a circular economy, sustainable materials, and, crucially, increased transparency in emissions reporting and ESG integration. By actively addressing emissions, embracing circular economy principles, and promoting ESG values, the shipping industry can position itself as an innovative and forward-thinking career path.
SAFETY4SEA: What are the biggest challenges in the energy transition? At this moment, what are your top concerns?
Ram Ganesh Kamatham: One of the most pressing challenges in the energy transition is the maritime industry’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and the need to develop and scale sustainable alternatives. Our work on defining sustainability criteria for marine fuels highlights the complexities of assessing alternative fuels—considering factors such as lifecycle emissions, feedstock availability, and overall environmental impact. Additionally, ensuring a just transition where workers, communities, and supply chains are not left behind is a top priority. The transition must be equitable, supporting livelihoods while decarbonising the sector.
S4S: What global policy changes—whether from the IMO or national governments—would most effectively accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping?
R.G.K.: Strong, enforceable emissions reduction targets are essential to drive decarbonisation. Policymakers must establish clear sustainability criteria for marine fuels, ensuring that low-carbon alternatives are truly beneficial across their entire lifecycle. Regulations promoting circularity in shipbuilding and recycling could also accelerate the transition. Our research into low-emission steel and sustainable ship design underscores the importance of policy incentives that encourage resource efficiency and responsible material use.
S4S: Do you believe the maritime industry is on the right path? What key ESG and sustainability trends do you see shaping its future?
R.G.K.: Progress is being made, but the industry must accelerate its transition. Key trends shaping the future include:
- Circular economy principles in shipbuilding, repair, and end-of-life disposal.
- Sustainable materials, such as low-emission steel, to reduce emissions in ship construction.
- Increased transparency in emissions reporting and ESG integration.
S4S: What are the biggest opportunities and challenges related to the human element in shipping’s decarbonisation journey?
R.G.K.: A major opportunity lies in upskilling the workforce to operate next-generation, low-carbon vessels. However, the challenge is ensuring a just transition—one that safeguards workers’ rights and supports seafarers through retraining and adaptation. Our work on seafarers’ rights highlights the need to uphold fair labour practices and improve crew welfare as the industry transforms.
S4S: How do you see digitalisation and advanced technologies—such as AI, big data, and blockchain—accelerating the green transition in shipping? Are there any specific innovations that particularly excite you?
R.G.K.: Digitalisation can enhance efficiency, emissions tracking, and fuel optimisation. AI and big data could complement these efforts by:
- Optimising voyage planning to reduce fuel consumption and capitalise on co-benefits.
- Tracking material flows to enable circular economy practices.
- Improving transparency in supply chain sustainability.
S4S: Strong leadership is essential for advancing ESG initiatives in the maritime industry. How can leaders foster a culture of sustainability across their operations?
R.G.K.: Leadership must embed sustainability in core business strategies, rather than treating it as a topic exclusively for compliance reporting or marketing. Our Roadmap to a Sustainable Shipping Industry outlines key pathways for achieving sustainability through bold decision-making and clear milestones. A single-track focus on de-carbonisation runs this risk of “tunnel vision”, and the Roadmap is a guiding star that keeps the big picture and inter-related issues in perspective.
S4S: How can industry stakeholders collaborate more effectively to drive meaningful progress towards sustainable development?
R.G.K.: Collaboration is key to accelerating sustainable development in shipping. Given the industry’s global nature, stakeholders must align on common sustainability frameworks, investment in green infrastructure, and workforce development to ensure an effective transition. Clear demand signals from across the table can help surmount the inertia of the status-quo. Collective action is also essential in regulatory harmonisation, investment in zero-emission infrastructure, and advancing circular economy principles—as seen in our work on low-emission steel and lifecycle sustainability. By embracing shared responsibility, industry actors can drive faster, more impactful change. Aligning policies, sharing best practices, and co-developing solutions will help shipping achieve its goals faster.
S4S: What initiatives related to diversity and inclusion would you like to see in the workplace, both onboard and ashore?
R.G.K.: We recognise that an inclusive and diverse workforce is crucial for long-term industry resilience. Supporting underrepresented groups in maritime careers is an area that requires greater attention.
S4S: What changes are needed to enhance the industry’s reputation and attract future talent?
R.G.K.: To attract new talent, the maritime sector must highlight its transformation towards sustainability. By actively addressing emissions, embracing circular economy principles, and promoting ESG values, shipping can present itself as an innovative and forward-thinking career path.
S4S: Do you have any new developments or projects on the pipeline that you would like to share with the industry?
R.G.K.: Yes, SSI has several initiatives currently underway:
- The State of Sustainable Shipping (SoSS) programme has now moved beyond the pilot phase and into its next stage, providing deeper insights into sustainability performance across key areas such as oceans, communities, people, transparency, finance, and energy.
- SSI is working on outlining the business case for low-emission steel, highlighting its role in reducing shipping’s carbon footprint and supporting sustainable supply chains.
- As part of the Marine Biodiversity and Ocean Health programme, SSI is collaborating with members to develop industry guidance on biodiversity best practices for shipping, based on elements from the Marine Biodiversity and Ocean Health Roadmap. This report will be launched at UNOC3 in Nice, France, in June 2024.
S4S: If you could change one thing in the industry from your perspective, what would it be and why?
R.G.K.: A key change needed in the industry is a mindset shift – one that embraces a holistic approach towards sustainability as a source of competitive advantage.
S4S: Looking ahead to 2050, what key message about sustainable shipping would you include in a time capsule for industry stakeholders to reflect on?
R.G.K.: The message for 2050 would be: “Future-proof shipping today to ensure a resilient and sustainable maritime industry tomorrow.” This requires integrating sustainability into ship design, adopting alternative fuels, and developing port infrastructure that aligns with long-term environmental and social goals. Forward-thinking action today will define the industry’s success in meeting the challenges of the future.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
