Applying systems thinking approach for qualitative analysis of GHG emissions regulations in shipping

A number of regulatory options have been discussed for the reduction of GHG‘s in the maritime sector. The International Maritime Organisation has on the table a mixture of measures ranging from command and control instruments such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index to market based measures such as international cap-and-trade and levy. It is possible that policies in this area will develop to be a mixture of the above international measures as well as regional measures. In light of this, the paper attempts to contextualize the potential of reduction of GHG emissions using a holistic/systemic approach. An in-depth characterisation and analysis of the current/existing shipping stakeholder space is made in order to identify potential responsible entities for the proposed measures. Barriers and opportunities existing therein are further analysed with particular focus on the principal agent problem. The Viable Systems Model is used to depict system roles of the shipowner and charterer and ties together the relevant findings from the preceding systems tools.