The first meeting of the BIMCO ESG Network in 2026 was held on 14 April and marked the Network’s 10th meeting since its establishment. The meeting brought together BIMCO members from across the global shipping industry to exchange perspectives on environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics and to discuss BIMCO’s draft guidance on best practice for ESG metrics, which is currently out for stakeholder consultation.
The secretariat introduced the draft guidance – which is a voluntary, nonmandatory reference tool, designed to support shipping companies in structuring discussions around ESG metrics in a way that reflects the realities of maritime operations. It was emphasised that the document is guidance, not a standard, and does not introduce new reporting requirements or mandatory KPIs. Nor is it intended to replace or duplicate existing regulatory or voluntary reporting frameworks.
So what is the guidance?
The draft guidance is based on a review of sustainability reporting practices and relevant regulations across the shipping industry, including companies operating both within and outside the scope of EU legislation. In preparing the guidance, the linkages and synergies between ESG metrics currently used in practice and mandatory regulatory requirements were explored, with a view to supporting global consistency and practicality. Its primary objective is to organise and disseminate existing best practice, providing a practical, shipping specific reference that can sit alongside established regulatory and voluntary frameworks already used by companies.
Discussions during the meeting reflected the wide range of regulatory, commercial and operational contexts in which shipping companies approach ESG reporting. Participants shared perspectives shaped by different reporting frameworks, stakeholder expectations and geographic scopes, underlining the importance of flexibility and professional judgement when applying ESG metrics in practice.
Drawing inspiration from the OECD approach to ESG metrics, the guidance distinguishes between different types of indicators, including policy‑based, activity‑based, output‑based and contextual metrics. This structure is intended to support a more balanced understanding of ESG performance by linking intentions, actions, outcomes and operating environment, rather than treating individual metrics as isolated data points.
Network members were encouraged to provide feedback on the relevance, clarity and practical usefulness of the proposed metrics, as well as on the overall structure of the guidance and where additional explanatory notes may be helpful.
The value of the network
The discussion once again highlighted the value of the BIMCO ESG Network as a forum for open and constructive dialogue. Input from network participants will help ensure that the final guidance remains practical, flexible and globally relevant, supporting BIMCO members as they navigate an increasingly complex ESG landscape.
If you are a BIMCO member, remember that the ESG network is open for you to join, as are all our other member networks covering topics from tanker safety to maritime security. The next meeting, which will take place in July 2026 will be exploring human rights in shipping and supply chains.
