Emanuele Grimaldi, President of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), elaborated on the changing geopolitical and regulatory pressures faced by the maritime sector in a special article he penned.

According to Grimaldi, the sector operates in a world where geopolitical and commercial instability has become the norm rather than the exception. This situation complicates not only the companies' ability to achieve their goals but also the overall objectives of the maritime sector. In an environment with so many risk factors, access to reliable information, free from external agendas, has become more critical than ever for industry leaders.

Grimaldi emphasizes, 'We must sift through unnecessary details to avoid deviating from the route that best meets our needs,' stressing that leaders need to have a clear view of what truly drives business risks.

Geopolitical Fluctuations Become Permanent

In this period marked by simultaneous conflicts, tariff changes, and diplomatic restructurings, it is crucial for maritime leaders to distinguish between short-term noise and long-term trends. Grimaldi points out that geopolitical and commercial fluctuations have now become a permanent reality rather than a temporary phenomenon.

In response to this need, the ICS Maritime Barometer was developed to monitor the operational pressures created by global developments in the sector. The annual report, entering its fifth year, provides a reliable reference for the industry by filtering rapidly changing political narratives and market speculations.

The Barometer clearly reveals both the areas of concern and the opportunity topics by monitoring the risk perceptions and confidence levels of senior maritime leaders.

Common Concerns: Political Instability Takes Center Stage

It is no surprise that political instability has emerged as one of the biggest risk factors in the Barometer for years. Grimaldi notes that this situation clearly illustrates the multiplier effect of government policies and uncertainties on businesses.

Findings from last year indicated that political uncertainty affects various areas, from cybersecurity risks to the reshaping of trade flows and financing models.

Increased protectionism during the 2024-2025 period, disruptions in the Red Sea, and global geopolitical fragmentation have further heightened concerns regarding new customs tariffs, changing supply chains, and state-linked cyber interventions.

IMO and Net-Zero Discussions

Grimaldi emphasizes that the role of geopolitics cannot be overlooked in the discussions surrounding the Net-Zero Framework (NZF) at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meetings held under the IMO in October 2025.

While previous reports have shown cautious optimism towards a global carbon regulation, delays in decisions regarding the NZF are increasing risks for some players while creating strategic opportunities for others.

Highlighted Opportunities

The ICS Maritime Barometer tracks not only risks but also emerging opportunities. The data reveals an increased long-term confidence in emission reductions, biofuels, methanol, and ammonia, while interest in LNG has remained stable for years.

The slow progress in regulations is also periodically increasing interest in alternative technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion systems. The report also notes that the demand for solutions to manage increasing cyber risks and digital applications that will reduce compliance costs has been rising each year.

Additionally, the growing need for a qualified maritime workforce both at sea and on land emerges as an important trend that the sector must consider.

Moving Forward on Common Ground

Grimaldi reminds that the maritime sector has demonstrated extraordinary adaptability and resilience in the face of the pandemic, geopolitical shocks, cyberattacks, and new regulations. However, he emphasizes that future success will depend on accurately analyzing how risks interact and identifying the areas where collaboration is most needed.

Grimaldi states that the purpose of the ICS Maritime Barometer is not to impose solutions but to make the most critical topics visible for industry stakeholders, expressing that the report provides a common evidence base for governments, regulators, and the sector.

He concludes his article with the words, 'By understanding what truly drives maritime decision-making processes and identifying common ground, we can ensure that progress is built on transparency, stability, and informed collaboration.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye