Steel is responsible for a significant share of lifecycle emissions in the maritime sector, yet it remains largely unaccounted for in decarbonisation pathways. Emission reductions from steel is one of the shipping sector’s most overlooked but scalable climate opportunities and addressing embodied carbon in shipbuilding materials is essential to achieving net-zero targets.
By aggregating demand to unlock the full value of reused marine steel, up to 150 million tonnes of ship steel could be reused by 2032, cutting emissions by up to 90 % and boosting value 650 % over scrapping. However, without regulation and synergies with industries using similar-grade steel, like offshore energy, ports, and commercial construction, most of the re-use value from steel will be lost to low-grade recycling. Coordinated, cross-sector action is needed to close the loop.
Join the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) for the launch of an Insight Brief:
Green steel: Bringing steel into shipping’s climate strategy through lifecycle and regulatory action
This report is a timely resource exploring how the maritime sector can reduce embodied emissions across the ship lifecycle. With contributions from industry actors involved in SSI’s Ship Lifecycle Working group, the webinar promises to inform and support decision-making amongst stakeholders interested in introducing circularity into the maritime value chain.
Various maritime stakeholders, as well as steel producers interested in seeing progress in the industry are encouraged to join us for the launch.
