Strategic integration of data envelopment analysis and backcasting theories for zero-emission transition in global container shipping companies: pathways and frameworks

IF 2.8 2区生物学 Q1 MARINE & FRESHWATER BIOLOGY

Frontiers in Marine Science Pub Date : 2025-03-13 DOI:10.3389/fmars.2025.1442572

Min-seop Sim, Jeong-min Lee, Yul-seong Kim, Dong-ho Jung, Chang-hee Lee

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Abstract

While previous research on environmental efficiency examines data from the annual reports of shipping companies, this study takes a novel approach. It applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) and backcasting theory to assess environmental efficiency and plan the transition to cleaner fuels among global container shipping companies. Companies are categorized as first movers, second movers, and last movers based on their environmental efficiency. This categorization provides a new perspective on strategic differentiation and improvement tactics for each group. It allows for the development of strategic frameworks tailored to the unique positions of different shipping companies, aiding them achieve the International Maritime Organization’s net-zero target by 2050. The study’s originality lies in its use of DEA to evaluate efficiency and backcasting for strategic planning. This combination provides policymakers and industry leaders with actionable insights and a robust methodological framework for promoting sustainable maritime management. The dual approach not only contributes to academic literature, but also aids in navigating the complexities of green transitions in the shipping industry.

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来源期刊

Frontiers in Marine Science Agricultural and Biological Sciences-Aquatic Science

CiteScore

5.10

自引率

16.20%

发文量

2443

审稿时长

14 weeks

期刊介绍： Frontiers in Marine Science publishes rigorously peer-reviewed research that advances our understanding of all aspects of the environment, biology, ecosystem functioning and human interactions with the oceans. Field Chief Editor Carlos M. Duarte at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal is supported by an outstanding Editorial Board of international researchers. This multidisciplinary open-access journal is at the forefront of disseminating and communicating scientific knowledge and impactful discoveries to researchers, academics, policy makers and the public worldwide. With the human population predicted to reach 9 billion people by 2050, it is clear that traditional land resources will not suffice to meet the demand for food or energy, required to support high-quality livelihoods. As a result, the oceans are emerging as a source of untapped assets, with new innovative industries, such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology, marine energy and deep-sea mining growing rapidly under a new era characterized by rapid growth of a blue, ocean-based economy. The sustainability of the blue economy is closely dependent on our knowledge about how to mitigate the impacts of the multiple pressures on the ocean ecosystem associated with the increased scale and diversification of industry operations in the ocean and global human pressures on the environment. Therefore, Frontiers in Marine Science particularly welcomes the communication of research outcomes addressing ocean-based solutions for the emerging challenges, including improved forecasting and observational capacities, understanding biodiversity and ecosystem problems, locally and globally, effective management strategies to maintain ocean health, and an improved capacity to sustainably derive resources from the oceans.