Banks play a pivotal role in advancing the green transition within the shipping industry. But how can these two critical sectors collaborate more effectively and foster greater transparency?

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, engages in a compelling discussion with Michael Parker, Global Head of Shipping at Citigroup, and Paul Taylor, Global Head of Maritime Industries at Société Générale. Both Michael and Paul serve as key leaders within the Poseidon Principles’ steering group, with Michael acting as Chair and Paul as Vice Chair.

Together, they explore how strategic dialogue and collaboration can drive meaningful change, the role of expanded regulations in enabling green infrastructure, and the ways banking and shipping can jointly contribute to the industry's decarbonization goals.

Michael and Paul highlight how transparency initiatives like the Poseidon Principles are reshaping industry dynamics, enabling strategic dialogue between banks and shipowners, and fostering accountability to meet global climate targets.  

The discussion also explores challenges and opportunities in green financing, from barriers like limited EU taxonomy-compliant vessels to the potential of sustainability-linked loans to drive change. Insights into alternative fuels such as green methanol and ammonia, and technologies like carbon capture, reveal both progress and complexity. Through initiatives like green market makers and forums such as COP and the Global Maritime Forum, the guests stress that collaboration and innovative funding mechanisms are vital to bridging gaps and accelerating the maritime industry’s sustainable transformation.  

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Michael Parker: Bio
About Paul Taylor: LinkedIn

About the Poseidon Principles: Website

About the Poseidon Principles Annual Disclosure Report: Website

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

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Sources:

The Definitive Study on Lifecycle Analysis for LNG as a Marine Fuel - SEA-LNG

Do you know what methane slip is? - SAFETY4SEA

Managing methane slip on ME-GI installations - MAN Energy Solutions

Annual Progress Report on Green Shipping Corridors: 2024 Edition - Getting To Zero Coalition

The outlook for the global economy remains both mixed and uncertain. Amid this complexity, which long-term trends are poised to shape the future of global trade?

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, is joined by James Pomeroy, a Global Economist at HSBC with expertise in long-term economic trends. James specialises in areas such as demographics, global supply chains, and trade.

Lora and James explore the transformative forces redefining global trade, including the influence of demographic shifts, the impact of political decision-making, the rising importance of technology and sustainability, and the pivotal role of the green energy transition in shaping economic futures.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About James Pomeroy: LinkedIn

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

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Tanker markets are highly influenced by geopolitical upheaval and macro-economic trends. In such a volatile environment, how can companies meet current demands, while staying on track advancing the energy transition? 

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, sits down with Mikael Skov, CEO of Hafnia, one of the world’s leading product tanker companies. Mikael has almost 40 years of experience in the shipping industry, and spent 25 years at TORM, before founding Hafnia Tankers in 2013.

Lora and Mikael take a deep dive into his pragmatic yet hopeful approach to the energy transition, emphasising the importance of technology solutions and digital infrastructures to make measurable improvements to current assets while working alongside customers for a long-term transition. They also discuss how market leaders driving technological developments can benefit smaller organisations and the industry at large.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Mikael Skov: LinkedIn

Listen to Dual-Fuel Engines and the Green Transition with Bjarne Foldager

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

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A pragmatic, collaborative approach to politics – one that fosters cooperation between political parties, committees, and the private sector – can drive meaningful change.

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Sustainability Officer at ZeroNorth, sits down with Rasmus Nordqvist, a newly elected member of the European Parliament for the Danish Socialist People’s Party (SF). Rasmus, who was first elected to the Danish National Parliament in 2015 as a member of The Alternative, a green and pro-European party, joined SF in 2021.

Lora and Rasmus explore his cross-sector collaborations, the role of parliamentary committees in advancing the green transition, and what it is like behind the scenes in the European Parliament.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Rasmus Nordqvist: Bio

Listen to Planetary Commons with Professor Katherine Richardson

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

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Green fuels have the potential to move the dial on reaching zero emissions. However, the complex nature of overhauling fuel supply chains and a lack of infrastructure present a barrier for the shipping industry. It's essential that collaboration amongst stakeholders is expanded and made more transparent if we are going to continue to trial and roll out green and biofuels.

This week, we’re taking you back to Season 1 for a conversation with Lynn Loo, CEO of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD). Lynn is also the Theodora D. '78 and William H. Walton III '74 Professor in Engineering and Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, currently on leave from Princeton University. She combines her academic background and creative rigour to conduct field studies on carbon capture, green fuels, and other methods that the industry may be able to use to reach zero emissions.

Before GCMD, Lynn was the Director of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, where she commissioned the Rapid Switch Initiative and the Net-Zero America Study, which has actively influenced key decision-makers globally.

In this conversation, Lynn breaks down the types of 'green fuels' available on the market today and shares insights into three different trials that the GCMD has been conducting with industry players.

The world is in a climate crisis and all industries must do their part to reach Zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today’s society. But is also responsible for 2.8% of all greenhouse gases. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we actually get there? In this podcast, we’re sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces navigating its way to zero.

About Lynn Loo: LinkedIn Profile

About the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization: Website

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn Profile

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Convincing senior leadership of the importance of sustainability can be challenging. However, it is possible to build a strong business case for its adoption.

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth, sits down with Pia Heidenmark Cook, an ESG and sustainability leader with over 25 years of experience across various global industries, including professional services, healthcare, sports retail, sustainable materials, and hospitality. Pia is perhaps best known for her impactful tenure as Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA, where she led significant transformations in the company’s approach to environmental stewardship.

Lora and Pia discuss how she convinced IKEA’s senior leadership that sustainability had a strong business case, the profound impact of high-quality evidence and data, and how anyone, regardless of their sector or position, can make a difference.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Pia Heidenmark Cook: LinkedIn

About Eurazeo Planetary Boundaries Fund: Website

About Embedding Sustainability: How to Drive Organizational Transformation

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

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Global trade has not yet reached a consensus on green fuels. However, dual-fuel engines represent a step in the right direction, enabling incremental progress as further research is conducted.

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth sits down with Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President and Head Of Two-Stroke Business at MAN Energy Solutions. Bjarne has worked in shipping for over 30 years, holding senior roles at Maersk Tankers and Maersk Ship Management before joining MAN Energy Solutions.

Bjarne and Lora discuss the current demand for ships with new fuel technologies, the influence of regulation and market demand on the adoption of dual-fuel engines, and the need for technology neutrality when approaching the green transition.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gases. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Bjarne Foldager: LinkedIn

About MAN Energy Solutions: Website

Listen to Navigating Zero Live from Folkemødet

Listen to Container Shipping and the Green Agenda with Vespucci Maritime’s Lars Jensen

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn

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The intersections of global trade, policy, and ecological limits are discussed by Katherine Richardson, a professor of Biological Oceanography, leader of the Sustainability Science Centre at Copenhagen University and former chairman of the Danish Climate Commission. She delves into the concept of planetary boundaries and planetary commons, highlighting how to focus on biodiversity alongside climate change. 

Exploring how understanding and respecting planetary boundaries is crucial as we navigate environmental challenges, she illuminates how sustainable practices can lead to a stable and healthy planet. This discussion is pivotal for anyone interested in how scientific insights can guide us toward a sustainable future.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gases. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Katherine Richardson: LinkedIn Profile

About Copenhagen University: Website

About Transformation Labs: Website

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn Profile

Subscribe to the Navigating Zero Newsletter

The container shipping industry faces unique challenges in transitioning to greener practices. External factors have driven a period of rapid growth and profit since the late 20th century. However, major disruptions such as the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2024 Red Sea Crisis have significantly impacted the industry. Amid these significant upheavals, how can container shipping advance its green agenda?

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth sits down with, Lars Jensen, CEO and Partner at Vespucci Maritime, a strategic advisory and analysis firm for container shipping. Lars has over 20 years of experience in the industry with previous roles at A.P. Moller-Maersk and The Containership Company. He is widely known for his analysis and forecasting as an expert in the container market.

Lars and Lora discuss the climate of container shipping in 2024, the industry’s appetite for the green transition, and how, to measure emissions, there must be a consensus on metrics.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gases. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Lars Jensen: LinkedIn Profile

About Vespucci Maritime: Website

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn Profile

Subscribe to the Navigating Zero Newsletter

To comply with increasingly stringent regulations, the shipping industry must evolve in two ways: by transitioning to greener energy sources and continually optimising for efficiency. Bold change is needed to reach the IMO’s 2030 and 2040 targets - should we be optimistic that the industry is ready to meet them?

In this episode, Lora Jakobsen, Chief Purpose Activist at ZeroNorth sits down with Tristan Smith, Associate Professor at the UCL Energy Institute, to get an insider view on the vital steps needed for the maritime industry to meet ever-increasing decarbonisation targets. 

Tristan and Lora discuss the steps needed for the maritime industry to meet ever-increasing decarbonisation targets, operational efficiency, the energy transition, and the importance of strong global regulations through the IMO. The conversation delves into the real-world challenges shipping companies face, behind the door at the IMO negotiations and the importance of equitable solutions for all nations involved.

The world is in a climate crisis, and all industries must do their part to reach zero emissions. Maritime trade is critical to today's society but is responsible for roughly 3% of all greenhouse gases. A future where global trade reaches zero emissions is possible. But how do we get there? In this podcast, we're sitting down with thought leaders to explore the inner workings of global trade, its massive impact on our society, and the obstacles it faces while navigating its way to zero.

About Tristan Smith: LinkedIn Profile

About UCL Energy Institute: Website

About ZeroNorth: Website

About Lora Jakobsen: LinkedIn Profile

Subscribe to the Navigating Zero Newsletter