Evaluating IMO 2030 strategies for environmental sustainability in maritime transportation using ANP method

The maritime sector significantly contributes to global climate change by emitting pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs). In response to these challenges, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented the 2030 Strategic Vision to promote environmental sustainability in the industry. This study employs the Analytic Network Process (ANP), a sophisticated multi-criteria decision-making instrument, to quantitatively assess and rank eight strategies outlined during the 81st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81). The analysis indicates that Ballast Water Management (normalized weight: 0.269) is identified as the highest priority, succeeded by proposals concerning Ship Recycling (0.179) and Emission Control Areas (ECAs) (0.142). The study's approach, supported by expert assessments and confirmed by consistency ratio analysis, provides assertive and dependable information for policymakers and industry leaders. The findings emphasize the significance of operational and regulatory measures in attaining the International Maritime Organization's 2030 objectives, thereby facilitating the efficient allocation of resources and the strategic execution of initiatives designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and marine pollution. This research addresses a significant gap in the environmental sustainability framework of the maritime sector, thereby contributing to global initiatives aimed at aligning shipping practices with the ambitious objectives outlined in the IMO 2030 vision.