New index helps the maritime sector advance its commitment to environmental excellence

The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Index is the result of research by the University and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Container ship carrying container box in import export with quay crane, Global business cargo freight shipping commercial trade logistic and transportation oversea worldwide by container vessel. shutterstock
Academics from the University of Plymouth have co-led the development of an environmental benchmarking framework for the global shipping industry.
The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Index is the result of three years’ independent research by the University and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
To develop the framework, Dr Stavros Karamperidis , Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group   at the University of Plymouth, worked with colleagues Dr Michael Tsatsaronis, Professor Theodoros Syriopoulos and PhD candidate Georgia Mpoura.
The first framework of its kind, it uses robust methodology developed in collaboration with leading ESG experts across the maritime sector.
It is intended to harmonise ESG reporting mechanisms for the industry and achieve easy comparison and transparency, which is currently not possible across the sector.
Officially launched during London International Shipping Week in September 2023, the index will also enable the shipping industry to align with future ESG reporting requirements on a global and more unified basis.
Dr Karamperidis, a Lecturer in Maritime Economics at the University, is one of the world’s leading experts on the transition to clean maritime within the global shipping industry.

All the world’s industries need to explore ways to reduce their environmental footprint. While shipping is the least environmentally damaging form of commercial transport, we need to ensure action is taken to maintain that now and for the future. The ESG Index is a tailor-made tool to support the industry through this transitional and challenging period. It will reduce the time and complexities required for companies to efficiently assess where they stand, and we are very excited to be presenting this ESG Index to a global audience during London International Shipping Week 2023.

Stavros KaramperidisDr Stavros Karamperidis
Lecturer in Maritime Economics

The ESG index was developed through an assessment of more than 70 shipping companies and has already been deployed by an industry pilot group.
The research team is now looking to launch its holistic ESG reporting framework more widely and will also be looking to continue gathering relevant and robust information that can assist decision making at a managerial level.
The index has also been designed to provide stakeholders and investors with visibility of companies’ sustainability performance and other factors such as commitment to crew welfare.
The launch at London International Shipping Week is taking place as part of the Transparency in Shipping and Bunkering Forum being coordinated by legal firm Norton Rose Fulbright.
 

Maritime Transport Research Group  

The Maritime Transport Research Group conducts internationally recognised research into shipping, ports and associated businesses. Through constant engagement with the industry locally, nationally and internationally, it is able to achieve impact at all levels.
Cargo ships entering one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore.

BSc (Hons) Maritime Business  

On the BSc (Hons) Maritime Business course you’ll learn about the commercial, economic and operational aspects of the maritime industry, while gaining a grounding in the varied and fascinating legal issues that arise in the sector.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and also offers links to an alumni network through the Plymouth Nautical Degree Association (PYNDA).
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