Esg (environmental, Social, Governance) In Shipping Training Course

Introduction

In the rapidly transforming global maritime industry, mastering ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) in Shipping is absolutely essential for organizations and professionals seeking to achieve long-term sustainability, enhance corporate reputation, mitigate risks, and attract responsible investment. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip shipping executives, sustainability managers, compliance officers, fleet managers, financial professionals, and maritime legal advisors with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for integrating sustainability principles, social responsibility, and governance best practices into maritime operations. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of international ESG frameworks, environmental performance measurement (decarbonization, pollution reduction), social aspects (crew welfare, human rights), and robust governance structures, enabling them to implement effective ESG strategies and drive positive impact across their maritime value chain. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, industry standards (IMO GHG Strategy, UN SDGs), and real-world case studies pertinent to complex ESG challenges, empowering you to lead your organization towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

This maritime sustainability management course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond basic compliance towards a proactive, strategic approach to integrating ESG principles into their core business model. Mastering decarbonization pathways for shipping, implementing effective social responsibility initiatives, and understanding strategies for transparent governance and reporting are indispensable for attracting green finance, managing stakeholder expectations, enhancing operational resilience, and securing a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic maritime ESG integration and sustainable maritime business practices, positioning your organization at the forefront of responsible shipping and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced environmental stewardship, social impact, and robust corporate governance.

Target Audience

• Shipping Company Executives & Owners
• Sustainability Managers & Coordinators
• Environmental Officers & Managers
• ESG Reporting & Compliance Professionals
• Fleet Managers & Technical Superintendents
• Human Resources Managers (Maritime)
• Maritime Legal & Finance Professionals

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of ESG and its growing importance in the shipping industry.
• Learn about the key international frameworks and regulations driving ESG adoption in maritime.
• Master strategies for environmental performance improvement, including decarbonization and pollution reduction.
• Develop proficiency in addressing social aspects, including crew welfare, human rights, and community engagement.
• Explore best practices for establishing robust corporate governance structures and ethical conduct.
• Understand the critical role of ESG reporting, disclosure, and transparency.
• Learn about robust strategies for integrating ESG considerations into investment and financing decisions.
• Identify the critical aspects of supply chain sustainability within the maritime context.
• Develop skills in conducting ESG risk assessments and materiality assessments for shipping companies.
• Understand the business case for ESG and its impact on reputation, brand value, and access to capital.
• Explore strategies for fostering a strong ESG culture throughout the organization.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive ESG strategies and action plans within maritime operations.
• Position yourself as a leader in driving sustainable and responsible practices across the maritime value chain.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to ESG in Shipping

• Defining Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles
• The global imperative for sustainability in the maritime industry
• ESG drivers: regulatory pressure, investor demand, consumer expectations, risk mitigation
• Business benefits of strong ESG performance: access to capital, reputation, efficiency
• Overview of key ESG themes relevant to shipping

Module 2. International ESG Frameworks & Regulations

• IMO's GHG Reduction Strategy and short/mid/long-term measures (EEXI, CII, FuelEU Maritime)
• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to shipping
• EU Green Deal and its impact on maritime operations
• TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and climate reporting
• Other relevant international conventions (e.g., MLC, MARPOL)

Module 3. Environmental (E) Pillar: Decarbonization & Emissions

• Pathways to decarbonization: alternative fuels (LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen), energy efficiency technologies
• Measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (IMO DCS, EU MRV)
• Air pollution reduction strategies: SOx, NOx, particulate matter
• Ballast Water Management and anti-fouling systems
• Waste management and pollution prevention from ships

Module 4. Environmental (E) Pillar: Biodiversity & Resource Management

• Protecting marine biodiversity: impact of shipping noise, ship strikes
• Sustainable resource management: water, energy, materials
• Circular economy principles in shipbuilding and recycling
• Responsible waste disposal and management of hazardous materials
• Spill prevention and emergency response preparedness

Module 5. Social (S) Pillar: Crew Welfare & Human Rights

• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) and its implementation
• Seafarer well-being: mental health, fatigue management, shore leave
• Fair labor practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) onboard and ashore
• Human rights due diligence in maritime supply chains (e.g., forced labor, trafficking)
• Safety culture, occupational health, and accident prevention

Module 6. Social (S) Pillar: Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Local community engagement and impact management (e.g., port communities)
• Addressing social license to operate for maritime projects
• Grievance mechanisms and stakeholder feedback channels
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the maritime sector
• Collaborations with NGOs and industry associations for social good

Module 7. Governance (G) Pillar: Corporate Governance & Ethics

• Board structure, diversity, and independence
• Executive compensation linked to ESG performance
• Risk management frameworks: identification, assessment, mitigation of ESG risks
• Ethical business conduct: anti-bribery, anti-corruption policies and training
• Whistleblower protection and grievance mechanisms

Module 8. Governance (G) Pillar: Transparency & Reporting

• ESG reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB, CDP)
• Materiality assessment: identifying most significant ESG issues for the company
• Data collection, measurement, and assurance of ESG performance
• Integrated reporting and communication with stakeholders
• Utilizing technology for efficient ESG data management

Module 9. ESG Integration in Maritime Finance & Investment

• Sustainable finance: green bonds, sustainability-linked loans for shipping
• Investor expectations for ESG performance in maritime companies
• ESG ratings and benchmarks for shipping firms
• Due diligence for ESG risks in maritime investments and M&A
• The role of financial institutions in driving sustainable shipping

Module 10. Supply Chain Sustainability in Maritime

• Extending ESG principles to the broader maritime supply chain
• Supplier due diligence for environmental and social performance
• Collaborating with partners for sustainable sourcing and logistics
• Traceability and transparency in maritime value chains
• Addressing modern slavery and labor exploitation in the supply chain

Module 11. ESG Risk Management & Compliance

• Identifying and assessing ESG-related risks: climate change, regulatory changes, social unrest
• Developing risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans
• Ensuring compliance with evolving ESG regulations and standards
• ESG audits and internal control systems
• Crisis management for ESG-related incidents

Module 12. Building an ESG Culture in Shipping

• Leadership commitment and tone from the top
• Employee engagement and training on ESG principles
• Integrating ESG into company policies, procedures, and performance reviews
• Internal communication and awareness campaigns
• Fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement for ESG

Module 13. Future Trends & Innovation in Maritime ESG

• Impact of digitalization and AI on ESG measurement and reporting
• Advancements in green technologies and alternative fuels
• Circular economy models for ship design and operations
• Social innovation and future of work for seafarers
• Emerging ESG regulations and investor expectations for the maritime industry

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.