Reducing Carbon Footprint at Sea: Why End-of-Life Strategy Matters More Than Ever

Introduction

Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions—more than some developed nations. While much of the conversation around decarbonization focuses on fuel choices and vessel design, there’s a quieter but equally critical piece of the puzzle: what happens at the end of a ship’s life.

At Somap Global, we believe sustainability doesn't stop at the last voyage. In fact, how an asset is retired can significantly affect its lifetime carbon profile, regulatory compliance, and brand reputation.

The Overlooked Emissions of Ship Recycling

When vessels are sold off to substandard shipbreaking yards, carbon responsibility doesn't disappear—it gets exported. Informal methods often involve open burning, unregulated scrapping, and transportation over long distances, all of which increase emissions and waste.

By contrast, green recycling:

• Reduces secondary emissions from inefficient dismantling

• Reclaims steel and components, reducing the need for virgin production

• Ensures compliant logistics, waste handling, and material recovery

• Complements lifecycle emissions strategies shipowners report to regulators and investors
  

Somap’s Role in Carbon-Responsible Transitions

At Somap Global, carbon awareness is embedded in how we advise, structure, and execute asset exits. Our work helps clients:

• Minimize Scope 3 emissions at the point of decommissioning

• Select regional, green-certified yards to reduce transportation-related footprint

• Track and document emissions associated with recycling for ESG disclosures

• Repurpose and redirect usable materials, further reducing waste and embodied emissions

We collaborate with compliance officers, ESG consultants, and asset managers to ensure every project supports a broader carbon-reduction narrative.

Why This Matters for Stakeholders

For shipowners, financiers, and cargo clients, carbon footprint is no longer a back-office metric—it’s a public signal of values, risk posture, and governance. Responsible end-of-life planning:

• Helps meet IMO carbon intensity indicators

• Strengthens ESG credentials for capital access

• Mitigates reputational exposure

• Builds credibility with sustainability-linked clients
  

Conclusion

Carbon strategy doesn’t end at the propeller. By bringing carbon accountability into the final chapter of a vessel’s lifecycle, companies future-proof their operations—and help clean the seas for generations to come.

At Somap Global, we help you make that final step not just compliant, but carbon-conscious.

Let’s map your fleet’s carbon-responsible exit strategy. Email us at info@somapglobal.com