Abstract
The maritime sector currently accounts for approximately 2.3% of global CO₂ emissions, with forecasts suggesting that this figure could rise to 10%-13% by 2050 (IMO 2023). This significant increase emphasizes the pressing need for decarbonization to mitigate environmental risks. This commentary examines the potential role that Saudi Arabia can play in transitioning the maritime sector, given the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. It draws on findings from an upcoming study titled, “A maritime sector in transition – Learning from other sectoral energy transitions” to analyze and propose pathways for Saudi Arabia to play an enhanced role in the global transition of the maritime sector.
