To realize our vision of sustainably decarbonizing the maritime industry by 2050, we rely on a clear and structured approach that guides how we make decisions and how we operate as a Center. We see our responsibility as two‑fold: contributing impactfully to the industry’s transition and ensuring that our own conduct reflects the standards we expect from others.
To support this, we work with two core values:
Sustainability
This pillar defines how we integrate sustainability into our strategic thinking and everyday decisions. Our approach is built on a scientific foundation and supported by a structured framework that helps us evaluate synergies and trade-offs consistently. By grounding our choices in evidence and applying a practical decision‑support tool, we ensure that our actions contribute credibly and transparently to a long-term net-zero transition of the maritime industry.
ESG
While our approach to sustainability shapes the external impact we aim to create, our ESG principles ensure that we uphold responsible practices internally. They define the standards we follow as a Center - how we govern, how we treat people, and how we operate ethically. These principles help build trust and integrity within our Center.
Sustainability Approach
The Center builds on a robust strategy to sustainable decarbonization, guided by a scientific foundation and key sustainability principles that consider both environmental and social factors. This holistic perspective ensures that we address the full range of synergies and trade-offs within the maritime transition. Building on these principles, we developed our Sustainability Framework - a practical tool that enables more structured, consistent, and informed decision‑making.
Scientific Foundation
At the Center, we set goals that are both ambitious and achievable, ensuring we create real and meaningful impact in driving the maritime transition. Our approach to Sustainability is grounded in a Scientific Foundation that acknowledges both the absolute reality of our changing climate and the social implications that follow.
From this foundation, two strategic guiding principles become evident, both requiring committed effort:
1.5°C Alignment
Climate science gives us our mandate. We must align our portfolio and ultimately the maritime industry with a 1.5°C trajectory. This is not just an ambition; it dictates the speed and urgency of our work. To align with the Center’s vision and mission, we must act with the pace that the climate science demands.
A Just and Equitable Transition
Decarbonizing a global industry only works if the whole world can move together. We are committed to a Just and Equitable Transition that is fair and inclusive. We work to ensure that the shift to net-zero leverages opportunities for local and social development, empowering the people and communities that power global trade.
Holistic approach to decarbonization
These strategic imperatives necessitate a holistic approach to decarbonization, requiring a full-system evaluation to identify solutions that are both effective and equitable. Through this approach the Center established the Sustainability Framework.
Sustainability Framework
The Sustainability Framework constitutes the Center’s practical assessment tool. By incorporating 14 distinct dimensions - from climate impacts to broader social and environmental domains - the framework offers a nuanced view of how solutions perform across the sustainability spectrum, enabling structured sustainability discussions and decisions. By highlighting critical synergies and trade-offs, the Sustainability Framework provides essential clarity on sustainability risks, as demonstrated in our recent assessments of biofuel solutions.
ESG Approach
Just as we work to drive a sustainable transition across the maritime sector, we are equally committed to operating responsibly within the Center itself. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles guide how we manage our own footprint, how we support our people, and how we ensure transparent and accountable governance. They underpin how we work each day and help us maintain consistency between our internal practices and the standards we promote externally. To put these principles into practice, we rely on several concrete measures:
ESG Report
Our yearly ESG Report outlines the Center’s performance across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. It provides transparency to our efforts, highlights achievements and areas for improvement, and reinforces our commitment to accountability. You can find our latest report here.
ESG Tracker
Throughout the year, we use an internal tracker to monitor progress on key ESG indicators. This gives us a structured, ongoing view of how we are performing, helps us identify areas where progress is lagging, and supports continuous improvement across all ESG dimensions.
GHG Accounting and SAF Purchases
We monitor our greenhouse gas emissions in line with the GHG Protocol, ensuring we have an accurate understanding of our operational footprint. We purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to lower the carbon intensity of the Center’s necessary travel, aligning our internal operations with our broader decarbonization goals. This approach ensures that our internal emissions practices mirror the climate ambition we advocate across the maritime sector.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and set clear ambitions for representation and psychological safety. By bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, we strengthen our ability to collaborate effectively across teams and innovate with confidence.
Wellbeing & Growth
We prioritize the health, and wellbeing of our employees and provide training and support that enable our people to thrive. By sharing knowledge, encourage skill development, and supportive workplace practices, we create the conditions for innovation and creativity, allowing us to deliver on our mission with clarity and purpose.
Sustainable Development Goals
Through our work for a sustainable, safe, just and equitable transition of the maritime industry we contribute to and affect several of the United Nations Sustainable Goals.
