Analysis of Decarbonisation and Digitalisation in the UK Container Shipping Sector

Faculty of Engineering and Logistics

Module: MAR6012 Contemporary Issues in Maritime Operations Assessment 2: Research Paper

Weighting: 40% of final module mark Word Count: 3,000 words (+/- 10%) Submission Deadline: Friday, 6 December 2025, 16:00 BST Submission Method: Via Turnitin on the module’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page.

Hello everyone,

For this assessment, we’re moving from theory to application. The maritime world is currently navigating what many are calling the ‘twin transition’: the simultaneous shift towards decarbonisation (the green transition) and increased digitalisation (the digital transition). These aren’t happening in isolation; they are deeply interconnected, creating a complex web of challenges, opportunities, and significant legal questions.

This research paper is your opportunity to delve into this fascinating and critical area, demonstrating your ability to analyse complex systems and form a well-supported argument.

Assessment Task

Critically analyse the operational, economic, and regulatory challenges and opportunities presented by the ‘twin transition’ (decarbonisation and digitalisation) for a specific sector of the maritime industry.

You must select one of the following sectors as the focus for your analysis:

• Container Shipping
• Bulk Carrier Operations (e.g., grain, ore, coal)
• The Offshore Energy Sector (e.g., support for wind farms or oil & gas)
• The Cruise Industry

Your paper should address the following key areas:

1. Synergies and Conflicts: Discuss how green and digital initiatives interact. For example, how can digital tools (like AI-powered route optimisation, digital twins, or performance monitoring) accelerate decarbonisation? Conversely, where might they conflict (e.g., the energy consumption of data centres)?
2. Operational Impact: Evaluate how this transition is changing day-to-day operations at sea and in port. Consider aspects like crew training, new ship designs, port call optimisation, and fuel logistics.
3. Economic Viability: Analyse the financial implications. Who bears the cost of new fuels and technologies? What are the risks of investment, and what are the potential returns on investment (ROI)? Consider the role of carbon pricing mechanisms like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
4. Regulatory and Legal Landscape: Examine the existing and developing legal frameworks. How are bodies like the IMO and national governments responding? Discuss potential legal hurdles related to data ownership, cybersecurity liability, and accountability for emissions from new fuel types.
5. Case Studies: You are expected to support your analysis with specific, real-world examples or case studies. This could be a shipping line’s strategy (e.g., Maersk’s investment in methanol-fuelled vessels), a port’s implementation of a ‘digital twin’, or a new technology trial.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

This assessment will test your ability to:

• LO1: Critically evaluate the primary drivers of change within the contemporary maritime industry.
• LO2: Synthesise complex information from a range of academic, industry, and regulatory sources.
• LO3: Analyse the interplay between technological innovation, operational practices, and legal frameworks in a maritime context.
• LO4: Construct and articulate a coherent, evidence-based argument in a formal academic style.

Marking Criteria

• Knowledge and Understanding (30%): Depth of understanding of both decarbonisation and digitalisation issues relevant to your chosen sector.
• Critical Analysis and Evaluation (40%): Ability to go beyond description to analyse the implications, synergies, conflicts, and challenges. The strength and originality of your argument.
• Research and Referencing (20%): Range and quality of sources used. Correct and consistent application of the Harvard referencing style.
• Structure and Presentation (10%): Clarity of writing, logical structure of the paper, adherence to academic conventions, and word count.

I am genuinely looking forward to reading your analyses. This is a topic at the very heart of where our industry is heading, and your insights are part of that conversation. Please make use of office hours if you wish to discuss your chosen sector or approach.

All the best, Your Module Instructor

Bibliography

1. Cariou, P., Fedi, L. and Cheaitou, A. (2024) ‘What are the expected effects of the EU ETS on container shipping?’, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 129, p. 104128. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2024.104128.
2. Okoroji, L., Pålsson, H., Nwaoha, C. and Opanuga, O. (2023) ‘Digital twin technology for the decarbonisation of the maritime industry: A comprehensive review and future outlook’, Ocean & Coastal Management, 246, p. 106899. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2023.106899.
3. Psaraftis, H.N. (2022) ‘Decarbonization of shipping: A high-level overview of the state of the art’, Maritime Economics & Logistics, 24(4), pp. 649–671. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-022-00236-y.
4. Saka, M. and Ölcer, A.I. (2024) ‘Navigating the future: A systematic review of digitalization and decarbonization interactions in the maritime industry’, Ocean Engineering, 300, p. 117511. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.117511.