Emission standards’ impact on shipping lines’ cost in containerized freight transport: a critical review

Abstract

The maritime sector has been under increasing pressure due to strict environmental regulations. Shipping companies face difficulties in meeting emission standards while keeping operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness at desired levels. This study looks into the approaches taken by shipping companies to meet emission standards and evaluates how they affect operational expenses. This study utilized a critical review method to examine previous research on adherence to emission standards in the maritime sector. The database Scopus was used for the literature search. The initial Scopus search yielded 174 documents in the search results. After systematically filtering out 174 papers, 49 peer-reviewed journals were reviewed. The method of inductive reasoning was used to group papers according to themes. Through qualitative data analysis tools, insights were extracted to understand the strategies employed by shipping lines and their cost implications. The study revealed a range of strategies adopted by shipping lines, including fuel switching, engine optimization, and route optimization, with varying impacts on operational costs which can be categorized into three main themes; (1) Operational measures (2) Environmental technologies and (3) Fleet management techniques. Emerging trends and innovative approaches in emissions reduction and cost management were identified, contributing to a broader understanding of sustainable practices in the maritime industry.