Furthermore, Maersk's aversion to scrubbers
highlighted the disparity in compliance costs across
the industry. While motivated by environmental
concerns, this stance put Maersk at a temporary cost
disadvantage to operators using cheaper fuels with
scrubbers. In addition, inconsistencies in global
enforcement - such as flag state leniency or weak port
state control in some jurisdictions - allowed less
scrupulous operators to avoid the financial burden of
compliance, distorting competition and undermining
global emissions targets. This is consistent with
Petrossian et al. (2020), who highlighted the risks
posed by flags of convenience and uneven
enforcement.
4.5 Broader Policy Implications and
Industry Lessons
Maersk's experience with the IMO 2020 regulation
offers important lessons for both policymakers and
industry stakeholders. First, early preparation and
transparent communication can reduce transition
costs and increase customer confidence. Second,
environmental leadership if backed by credible action
can enhance brand value and competitiveness. Third,
the regulation catalyzed innovation in cleaner marine
fuels, suggesting that well-designed environmental
mandates can be constructive rather than punitive.
However, the case also highlights the limits of
voluntary action and the importance of strong
international governance. Without harmonized
enforcement, the full benefits of IMO regulations risk
being undermined by regulatory arbitrage and uneven
burdens on business. Future policy frameworks must
therefore combine ambitious targets with robust
monitoring mechanisms and financial support for
smaller operators to ensure a level playing field.
5 CONCLUSION
The implementation of the IMO 2020 sulphur cap has
brought significant changes to the global shipping
industry, particularly in balancing environmental
objectives with economic realities. This paper uses
the case study of Maersk to demonstrate how
proactive compliance strategies can deliver both
environmental and reputational benefits, despite
short-term financial burdens. Maersk's decision to use
low-sulphur fuel instead of relying on scrubbers
reflects a long-term vision in line with global
decarbonization targets. The company's experience
shows that compliance with international
environmental regulations, while costly, can drive
innovation and industry transformation.
At the same time, the uneven global enforcement
of sulphur regulations and the varying ability of
shipping companies to adapt highlight challenges in
terms of regulatory fairness and policy impact.
Smaller operators and developing flag states may
struggle to keep up, leading to competitive distortions
and reduced regulatory effectiveness. Future policy
must therefore address these inequalities through
harmonized enforcement and targeted support
mechanisms.
In conclusion, the IMO 2020 sulphur cap has
proven effective in reducing emissions, but its
success in promoting long-term sustainability
depends on broader structural reforms, investment in
alternative fuels and coordinated international
governance. The Maersk case suggests that
companies that see regulation as an opportunity rather
than a constraint are best placed to lead the shipping
industry towards a cleaner, more resilient future.
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