Is the global shipping industry truly ready to sail towards a sustainable future, or are we still stuck in a fog of good intentions and dirty fuel?
Ocean Network Express (ONE) thinks the answer lies in radical collaboration, technology, and rethinking how we move goods across the seas.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has never been shy about its sustainability ambitions. On 26 March 2025, it hosted its 4th Container Shipping Summit in Hong Kong, drawing an eclectic mix of shipowners, regulators, environmental advocates, and technologists. The theme was “Sailing Towards a More Sustainable Future with ONE,” and the goal was simple: talk less about whether change is needed and more about how to implement it — fast.
As container shipping continues to carry 90% of global trade while contributing significantly to global emissions, the summit came at a pivotal time. With IMO regulations tightening, ESG pressures rising, and decarbonisation no longer a buzzword but a boardroom KPI, the industry can no longer afford to drag its anchors.
Setting the Course: Key Themes from the Summit
The summit opened with a keynote address from ONE’s sustainability team, laying out the carrier’s roadmap towards net-zero emissions by 2050. The strategy focuses on three pillars: technological innovation, fuel transition, and cross-sector collaboration.
Panels throughout the day tackled thorny issues: how to scale green methanol as a fuel source, why retrofitting old vessels is essential (but complicated), and how digitalisation — from AI route optimisation to real-time emissions tracking — is fast becoming the backbone of eco-efficiency at sea.
Green Tech on the Horizon
ONE also used the event to showcase its growing fleet of eco-conscious vessels. These ships feature advanced hull designs to reduce drag, smart engine systems for better fuel efficiency, and are prepped for future fuel flexibility — including methanol, ammonia, and biofuels.
There was a live demonstration of ONE’s new AI-based emissions dashboard, designed to give both customers and regulators transparent data on vessel emissions in real-time. According to the company, this tool is already being trialled across select Asia-Europe routes, with plans to roll it out globally in 2026.
The Power of Partnerships
A recurring theme was the necessity of industry-wide cooperation. ONE’s leadership was adamant: no single carrier can decarbonise alone. Success hinges on strong alliances between shipping lines, port authorities, fuel suppliers, financiers, and regulators.
Speakers highlighted examples like the Green Corridor initiatives in Southeast Asia and cross-company pilot projects involving shared green bunkering infrastructure. It was clear from the discussion that competitive advantage is taking a back seat to collective progress — at least when it comes to climate.
Financing the Green Transition
Another major topic? Money. Retrofitting ships, experimenting with fuel alternatives, and upgrading digital systems is not cheap — especially in an industry notorious for razor-thin margins. Finance experts at the summit discussed the growing role of green bonds, ESG-linked loans, and multilateral funding to support decarbonisation investments.
ONE confirmed it is actively exploring public-private partnerships and is in talks with regional development banks to co-finance its next generation of low-emission vessels.
Voices from the Industry
Guest speakers from across the supply chain took the stage to provide their perspective. A major e-commerce retailer spoke on the need for transparent carbon accounting in supply contracts. Port representatives discussed how terminal electrification and shore power capabilities are becoming a new normal in Asia.
Perhaps the most powerful voices came from the next generation — university students from maritime academies who were invited to present future-focused sustainability ideas. Their message? Make shipping aspirational again — not just for efficiency, but for ethics.
ONE’s Green Fleet Programme
A dedicated session was held on ONE’s Green Fleet Programme, which combines newbuild orders with strategic retrofitting of its current fleet. The initiative has already yielded measurable emissions reductions, and by 2030, the company aims to have 50% of its ships running on alternative fuels or carbon-neutral technology.
This was backed up with lifecycle data, third-party audits, and a clear accountability framework — a welcome break from the usual vague sustainability promises.
Closing Reflections
The summit closed with a roundtable discussion on “The Shipping Industry in 2030: Crisis or Opportunity?” The consensus was cautiously optimistic. Technology is advancing, regulation is tightening, and the will to change — once elusive — is finally taking root.
ONE ended the event with a challenge to the industry: go beyond compliance, embrace radical transparency, and make sustainability the new competitive edge.
“Sustainability isn’t an accessory — it’s the anchor that holds our industry’s future. At ONE, we’re not waiting for regulation. We’re leading with responsibility.”
— Spokesperson, Ocean Network Express
The maritime industry sits at a crossroads. Will it continue business as usual, or embrace the transformation needed to remain relevant — and responsible? ONE’s summit suggests that the winds are changing. Now it’s time for others to adjust their sails.
