Sustainability path:
Shipping is essential to world trade, carrying over 80% of global goods. At the same time, it is under pressure to transform. The industry contributes nearly 3% of Global CO₂ emissions and is a source of local air pollution, biodiversity risks, and underwater noise. Regulators, financiers, and customers are demanding change.
A clear framework for this transformation can be seen in three pillars of sustainability in shipping.
Pillar 1
Reducing Emissions
The first and most immediate pillar is to reduce fuel consumption and therefore cut greenhouse gas emissions. The drivers here are the EU ETS (carbon pricing from 2024) and the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).
Actions:
• Hybrid propulsion & batteries for peak shaving and auxiliary load reduction.
• Wind-assisted technologies, such as VentoFoils and rotor sails to cut fuel use by 5-15%.
• Advanced silicone antifouling coatings to minimize hull drag.
• Voyage optimization and slow steaming, supported by digital platform.
Breadbox Focus:
On all owned and partnership vessels we apply silicone-based antifouling, achieving 5-7% fuel reduction. We cooperate closely with StormGeo, which monitors our fleet in real time and provides optimized routing to minimize fuel consumption. We are actively studying wind-assisted technologies for installation on our owned and controlled tonnage.
Pillar 2
Alternative Fuels
The second pillar is to transition from fossil fuels to low- and zero-carbon fuels. This is driven by EU FuelEU Maritime (from 2025), which mandates a gradual reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of marine fuels.
Current and future fuel options:
• Biofuels (FAME, HVO, advanced drop-in fuels): immediate CO₂ reductions up to 80%.
• LNG: limited GHG benefits, but lower local emissions.
• Methanol and Ammonia: scalable zero-carbon fuels under development.
• Hydrogen and e-fuels: long-term solutions with high potential.
Breadbox focus:
As an MPP operator, we follow project cargoes into remote ports in West Africa, where alternative fuels, such as methanol and ammonia, are not yet available. For this reason, we focus on biofuels, which are currently the most practical and economical solution for our trading range and fleet profile.
Pillar 3
Pollution & biodiversity protection
Sustainability goes beyond CO₂ and emissions. Ships also affect air quality, marine ecosystems, and ocean health. Regulation here comes from the IMO MARPOL conventions, Ballast Water Management Convention, and the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention.
Key measures:
• Low-sulphur fuels (IMO Sulphur Cap 2020) reduce SOx emissions and local air pollution.
• Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) prevent spread of invasive species.
• Noise reduction initiatives (speed limits, propeller design, routing) protect marine mammals.
• Non-toxic antifouling (silicone coatings) replace harmful biocides, such as TBT.
Breadbox Focus:
All vessels in our fleet are equipped with Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) in line with IMO requirements. We fully comply with the low-sulphur regulations in place across all trades. With silicone-based antifouling in use on our ships, we further contribute to a reduction of toxic impact on marine ecosystems.
Regulatory pathway to 2050
To ensure the maritime industry moves towards net-zero emissions by 2050, the EU and IMO have put in place a set of complementary regulations:
- EU ETS (Emissions Trading System, 2024). Puts a price on every tonne of CO₂ emitted, creating a direct financial incentive to reduce fuel consumption.
- FuelEU Maritime (2025). Requires a stepwise reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of marine fuels, ensuring a shift to alternatives such as biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia.
- EU MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, 2018). Obligates ships above 5,000GT trading in Europe to monitor and report annual CO₂ emissions, fuel consumption, and efficiency. Provides the transparency and enforcement mechanism for ETS and FuelEU compliance.
Together, these measures provide both a cost on emissions (ETS) and a mandate to change fuels (FuelEU), monitored through MRV reporting. This layered approach is designed to keep the industry on track towards the IMO’s 2050 zero-emission target.
Breadbox Shipping on the journey
The IMO has set a clear target: net-zero emissions by 2050. To reach this, shipping must combine all three pillars, mentioned below.
For Breadbox, the approach is practical and fleet-focused: applying today’s proven measures while preparing for tomorrow’s alternative fuels. By acting now under each pillar, Breadbox strengthens both compliance and competitiveness, moving with resilience and resourcefulness towards a sustainable future.
Pillar 1
Cut emissions through efficiency and energy-saving devices.
Pillar 2
Adopt alternative fuels to gradually eliminate fossil fuels.
Pillar 3
Protect oceans and biodiversity by reducing sulphur, noise, and toxic impacts.
