Whether on land, on the sea, or in the sky, the global transport sector is responsible for a large part of the global greenhouse gas emissions. The sector is actually responsible for around a quarter of global CO₂ emissions. Due to the sector’s multilateral nature, the transformation of the sector to become greener must happen through global collaboration.

On the sea, the transport sector is currently facing a paradigm shift. Earlier this year, The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set a course for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050 with the adoption of its greenhouse gas strategy. In April 2025, the Net-Zero Framework, the first climate law in history to mandate emissions reductions from a global industry, was announced. This week, its final adaptation is set to be approved during negotiations in London.

The framework introduces annual emissions reduction requirements, a carbon price on fossil fuels starting in 2028, and strict “well-to-wake” certification of all fuels.

Denmark’s strong advocacy for a net-zero shipping industry

Despite being a small country, Denmark is the 12^th largest flag state in the world measured by gross tonnage. Building on this global footprint and a global commitment to decarbonise, Denmark has turned its extensive maritime activity into a testing ground for green shipping solutions.

Being the home to leading shipping operators, offshore wind developers, technology providers and with a strong regulatory framework to back it up, Denmark is uniquely positioned to drive progress in sustainable shipping – both at home and across international waters.

As a collective sector, the Danish public and private shipping sectors have collectively committed to reaching net zero by 2050.

By setting this example and by continuing to develop greener technologies to enable a net-zero shipping industry, Denmark is continuing to be a frontrunner in the decarbonisation of the transport sector.