ESG Climate Survey: Shipping industry deeply concerned about geopolitical tensions, tariffs and sanctions

Launched by SAFETY4SEA in early 2025, this comprehensive industry survey once again examined the perceptions and challenges shaping ESG strategies across the maritime sector. This year’s findings underscore that geopolitical instability and economic disruptions now rival long-standing environmental concerns in importance.

The path to ESG maturity involves more than regulatory compliance; it calls for sustained commitment and cultural transformation. In recent years, numerous maritime companies have introduced ESG initiatives and begun embedding these principles into their operations.

“The industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, resilience, and long-term value creation through ESG-aligned strategies,” noted Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA. “However, recent global developments show that geopolitical and economic pressures are now taking center stage. Dark fleets, economic instability caused by tariffs, and broader geopolitical stressors have emerged as pressing concerns. Equally important is the industry’s green transition—particularly following the critical MEPC 83 session where key new measures were adopted.”

Understandably, the industry has responded strongly to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) newly announced Net-Zero Framework. Meanwhile, the full economic implications of reimposed tariffs on the shipping industry are yet to be fully understood. In this context, the ESG conversation is shifting.

‘There is a growing need to assess the far-reaching impacts of evolving trade policies, climate commitments, and corporate strategies, and to rethink ESG in terms of how the sector is preparing for disruption while maintaining momentum toward a net-zero future.

…Apo Belokas added.

This year’s survey drew responses from 1,764 professionals across the maritime industry. Most participants came from ship management and service provider sectors, with additional input from industry associations, port operators, equipment manufacturers, and offshore personnel. Nearly half of the respondents were senior executives, including CEOs, directors, and emerging young professionals.

What tops the ESG Agenda in shipping?

Amid growing uncertainty, how can maritime stakeholders respond effectively in the short term while planning for long-term decarbonization? The 2025 ESG Climate Survey identified 21 key ESG factors that industry stakeholders consider top priorities.

Key findings

According to the survey findings:

1. Geopolitical conflicts and business interruptions are seen as the most critical risks, underscoring the industry’s increasing focus on enhancing supply chain resilience and maintaining operational continuity in a volatile global environment.

2. Environmental challenges remain central to the ESG agenda, with continued emphasis on emissions regulations, alternative fuels, and pollution control. This reflects the sector’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact and meeting both regulatory and stakeholder expectations.

3. The strong emphasis on crew skills, training, welfare, and occupational health highlights the industry’s investment in workforce development, recognizing that competent and well-supported personnel are essential to safe, efficient operations.

4. Governance-related issues, such as cyber resilience, digitalization (Shipping 4.0), and stakeholder engagement, are increasingly viewed as enablers of transparency, accountability, and long-term ESG integration, reinforcing corporate resilience.

5. The convergence of social, environmental, and governance priorities points to a more holistic ESG approach, where risk management, innovation, and sustainable value creation are becoming central to maritime strategy and operations.

Comparison with previous survey: What has changed since last year

To remind, SAFETY4SEA first launched the ESG Climate Survey in 2022, with early findings pointing to a strong industry focus on environmental concerns. By 2024, the survey reflected a growing emphasis on social and governance issues. A comparison between the 2024 and 2025 surveys reveals several notable trends:

#1 Geopolitical and operational risks take center stage
“Effects on Supply Chain due to Geopolitical Conflicts” topped this year’s list with an 84.2% relevance score, surpassing last year’s primary concerns. “Business Interruption” also surged—from 20th place in 2024 (66.4%) to 3rd in 2025 (82.1%). These shifts highlight the sector’s increasing vulnerability to global instability and its impact on trade and operations.

#2 Environmental compliance remains a priority
Environmental issues continue to dominate the ESG conversation. The “IMO Air Emissions Package, CII, EEXI” remains in 2nd place, while “Emissions Trading Scheme(s)” and “New Alternative Fuels” also rank highly. The growing importance of “Responsible Ship Recycling” (now 8th at 77.4%) indicates rising awareness around sustainable end-of-life practices for vessels.

#3 Social issues: Mixed movement
While social topics remain vital, some are receiving fluctuating attention. “Occupational Health and Safety” ranks 7th (80.0%), and “Staff/Crew Welfare” holds 12th position (74.7%). However, “Anti-Corruption & Ethical Behavior” has dropped to 18th (68.4%), possibly due to its integration into broader governance structures.

#4 Governance: Steady but mid-tier
Governance factors such as “Cyber Resilience” (9th) and “ESG Reporting” (17th) show consistent importance. “Shipping 4.0 – Digitization” and “Stakeholder Engagement” also maintain visibility, though not as top-tier concerns.

#5 External Social Engagement Lags
“Local Community Support” remains the lowest-ranked factor at 66.3%, suggesting ongoing underinvestment in broader community-related ESG activities.

ESG’s rising influence on maritime strategy

ESG considerations are becoming central to the shipping industry’s future, especially concerning financing, compliance, and long-term sustainability. Participants emphasized that ESG must be integrated into the core functions of every maritime organization. This includes training personnel to understand and apply ESG principles effectively.

There is a strong call for global harmonization and universal adoption of ESG practices, particularly in areas of safety, security, and governance. Leaders across the industry acknowledge that ESG is no longer optional—it is essential for maintaining competitiveness and operational resilience.

Furthermore, sustainable and green policies must be tailored to the capacities of underdeveloped and developing nations. Broad-based cooperation, administrative consistency, and targeted support are key to ensuring equitable ESG implementation worldwide.

The 2025 ESG Climate Survey clearly signals a transformation in maritime priorities. While environmental concerns remain a pillar, the spotlight is shifting to geopolitical and operational uncertainties.

The challenge ahead lies in sustaining momentum across all three ESG dimensions —environmental, social, and governance—while navigating a complex and dynamic global risk landscape.