the role of environmental, social and governance (esg) standards in the maritime industry: structure, opportunities and challenges

In recent years, environmental, social, and governance (esg) principles have emerged as strategic pillars in redesigning the financial, operational, and management structures of global industries particularly within the maritime transport sector. this paper explores the impact of esg criteria on accelerating carbon reduction processes, enhancing social indicators, and improving financial resource mobilization in the maritime industry. in consideration of the increasing growth in green investments, the study examines the role of key institutions such as the international maritime organization (imo) and the international sustainability standards board (issb) in configuring regulatory frameworks and reporting to base sustainability standards. furthermore, it highlights several critical challenges, including compliance costs, regulatory misalignments, workforce shortages, and the complexity of esg evaluations. despite these challenges, the paper underscores that collaborative engagement among shipping companies, investors, and standardization organizations is vital for structuring a resilient and sustainable maritime sector where esg serves as a strategic imperative for the industry s future.