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AI, Maritime Decarbonization, and Ocean Conservation
Mark J. Spalding, MDPI Shipping & Ports
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AI, Maritime Decarbonization, and Ocean Conservation
by Mark J. Spalding
The Ocean Foundation, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052337
Submission received: 29 December 2025 / Revised: 9 February 2026 / Accepted: 26 February 2026 / Published: 28 February 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transdisciplinary Approach in Sustainable Shipping: Transition to a Zero-Emission Maritime Industry)
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Abstract
International shipping contributes approximately 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions while serving as the circulatory system of global commerce. The International Maritime Organization’s 2023 GHG Strategy mandates net-zero emissions by or around 2050, with indicative targets requiring a 20–30% reduction by 2030 and a 70–80% reduction by 2040. From a coastal and ocean conservation perspective, these targets represent more than climate mitigation—they offer an opportunity to reduce the maritime sector’s broader ecological footprint, including underwater noise pollution, chemical contamination from antifouling coatings, and the transfer of invasive species through biofouling. This article examines the role of artificial intelligence in supporting maritime decarbonization across multiple domains: voyage optimization, wind-assisted propulsion management, vessel automation, port coordination, predictive maintenance, ship design optimization, and hull maintenance robotics. Critically, the analysis also addresses AI’s own environmental footprint—the substantial energy demands of data centers that power these technologies—and emphasizes the importance of transparent accounting of AI-related emissions. The article proposes research directions that advance both climate objectives and marine ecosystem protection.
Read the full article here.