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Aerial view of transport ship
Aerial view of transport ship

Green shipping 

Decarbonising the shipping industry is an essential step towards achieving Net Zero. 

Maritime transport is an essential component of the global supply chain. Currently, though, it accounts for approximately 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. It is considered one of the hardest industries to decarbonise.

However, there have been significant developments over the last few years. Several leading global shipping organisations are driving transformation. The introduction of cleaner fuel sources and newer fleets with more efficient technologies has the potential to dramatically decrease the carbon footprint of the industry.

A&O are at the forefront of green shipping. Our specialist team includes energy transition, infrastructure and shipping industry experts. They have experience advising on the development and financing of decarbonised vessels and zero or low carbon fuel sources, and their required infrastructure.

We advise industry leaders on pioneering decarbonisation projects, including a global portfolio of green marine corridors. We draw on our global market-leading capabilities in energy and infrastructure project finance and development, asset finance, transportation, regulation, compliance and ESG.

A&O is also a ‘Knowledge Partner’ to the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, an R&D centre focused on the decarbonisation of the global maritime industry.

By adopting cleaner practices and adapting to new regulations, the decarbonisation of the shipping industry by 2050 is an achievable goal.

Spanning our global network of offices, as well as multiple practice and sector groups, our green shipping team has the breadth and depth of expertise to help navigate the significant challenges and deliver a successful outcome.

Key experience 

Green marine fuel corridors portfolio financing and development

Green marine fuel corridors portfolio financing and development

A leading shipping company on Green Marine Fuel Corridors including green hydrogen to ammonia and methanol plants. This includes all regulatory aspects (RED II and RFNBO) and the development, construction and financing of a series of giga-projects in numerous jurisdictions.

FlagshipONE project

FlagshipONE project

Ørsted on its FlagshipONE green methanol project in Sweden, which will supply e-methanol to the shipping industry.

Green shipping fuel project

Green shipping fuel project

A global shipping company on a hydrogen project in Europe.

Dual-fuel LNG containerships financing

Dual-fuel LNG containerships financing

BNP Paribas on the financing of up to 15 dual-fuel LNG newbuilding containerships (five ships of ca 8,100 TEU plus ten ships of ca 11,400 TEU) to be built by New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

Eco design tankers lease financing

Eco design tankers lease financing

National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Banco Santander on a structured operating lease financing for six eco-design MR class product tankers for Tristar Transport.

LNG powered cruise ships financing

LNG powered cruise ships financing

SACE and a syndicate of lenders on the pre- and post-delivery financing of two new Fincantieri-built LNG powered cruise ships for TUI Cruises GmbH. These were the largest ships ever built in Italy and the first large LNG powered cruise ships. 

Recognition

Global Law Firm of the Year 2022

PFI Global Awards 2023

MENA Green Deal of the Year 2022

PFI Global Awards 2023

Best Law Firm for Commitment to Sustainability

GlobalCapital 2022 Global Awards

News and insights

Publications: 03 November 2022

Decarbonising transportation requires collaboration and regulatory reform

Getting to Net Zero shipping and aviation is a complex challenge. However industry collaboration, innovation, new regulations and pressure from customers are helping to accelerate progress.

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Bottled liquids on conveyer belt

Publications: 28 November 2022

Supply chains must evolve to keep pace with drive to Net Zero

Supply chains enable production and progress, but their contribution to climate change is significant. Making them more sustainable in every sense is critical to decarbonisation. 

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Aerial view of a road flowing through a forest

Publications: 30 March 2023

Financing the gap: eight thoughts on accelerating the Net Zero transition

We recently welcomed a stellar panel of guests to discuss how to drive more private investment in decarbonisation. Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, former executive secretary of the UN Framework…

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Aerial view of wind turbine in the ocean

Publications: 03 November 2022

Financing the gap: a blueprint for decarbonisation

Delivering Net Zero by 2050 will involve massive investment in physical assets and innovation, and mobilising that capital will require major regulatory and market reform. “Financing the gap” is our…

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