Drought in Panama Canal, intensifying weather events, and rising sea levels—Why do we hear about such instances quite often in recent times? What is shipping’s role in climate change? Can we actually decarbonize the backbone of global trade? While these are some of the most prevalent questions amongst the maritime community, it’s important to understand the gravity of the climate problem, shipping’s role, and why we should care! Let’s dive in. No Plan B Amidst the myriad challenges climate change poses, one stark reality emerges: there is no Plan B for our planet. Paris Climate Agreement states that a 2 degrees Celsius rise in temperature above pre-industrial levels can bring irreversible change, which puts the balance of our environment under threat like never before. The consequences of inaction are dire, with ramifications that extend far beyond the maritime industry. From food security to human migration, the impacts of climate change are far-reaching and profound. In the face of such a formidable challenge, we must act decisively and collectively to safeguard the future of our planet. Maritime’s role Maritime, often regarded as the backbone of global trade, plays a significant role in the climate emergency. Accounting for ~3% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally, if the maritime industry were a country, it would be the sixth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. Adding further to the woes, the industry’s reliance on heavy fuel oils and other high-emission fuels exacerbates its environmental impact. Therefore, the responsibility of the maritime industry to combat climate change and decarbonize cannot be overstated. With its substantial impact on emissions and reliance on high-emission fuels, the industry faces a pressing imperative to transform its practices and embrace sustainability. For the world to win the climate battle, shipping must win. It is time for the maritime community to rise to the challenge, prioritize decarbonization efforts, and pave the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. But how do we actually decarbonize maritime? With the motivation to ACT firmly established, we now turn our attention to how we plan and try to achieve it. Well, if you’re looking for a simple answer, here it is: “Abide by the regulations and Mandates”. To successfully decarbonize and mitigate climate change, industry stakeholders, governments, and regulatory bodies should collaborate and promptly establish a consensus on future regulatory frameworks and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation measures. Such regulations are governed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has set short and long-term goals for the Marine industry, including ambitious net-zero emissions for the maritime industry. These regulatory goals have been cascaded down to all stakeholders, including shipowners, operators, port authorities, and industry associations. Each entity has a role to play in implementing measures to achieve these targets and drive progress towards decarbonization. Notably, operational efficiency-driven indices such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and Cargo Ship Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rating (cgDIST) play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and in-turn achieving regulatory goals. These indices, applicable to various vessels, gauge how efficiently a vessel utilizes fuel, emphasizing the optimization o