Charting the Regulatory Landscape of Climate Adaptation for Global Shipping: Implementation, Coordination and Communication

Abstract

This study examines climate policy adaptation in shipping through the lens of strategy execution, which includes implementation, coordination, and communication. It employs an exploratory qualitative research approach combining analogical reasoning and stakeholder theory to analyze the implementation, coordination, and communication of climate emergency adaptations in global shipping. Building on previous research by the authors, we developed a single research question: What is the role of the International Maritime Organization and its Member States in implementing climate emergency adaptation measures? Findings indicate that port authorities, port communities, tourism, and maritime stakeholders, such as shipping agents, freight forwarders, and transporters, are significant players at the national level. The study identified that countries are key agents in implementing adaptation policies for global shipping, with factors such as awareness, enforcement, funding mobilization, resource capacity, and evidence-based data playing critical roles in success. The study concluded that maritime agencies play a crucial role in coordinating climate policies within the global shipping industry. Effective coordination requires collective efforts involving national, regional, and global agencies, including IMO and international climate organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Ultimately, effective communication of climate adaptation policies in the shipping sector requires the integration of information sharing, maritime communication technologies, social networking, and outreach campaigns.