An Expert’s View

Yves De Leeneer, President of the IMarEST, highlights the maritime industry’s shift from cost-saving to a focus on reducing carbon emissions. Over the past three decades, support from international bodies like the United Nations has accelerated this change, making sustainability a central concern. Innovations like OTEC (ocean thermal energy conversion) for energy generation and turbo sails for reducing fuel consumption are leading the charge. Even wastewater gardens, which transform human waste into plant food without chemicals, demonstrate the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The rise of ESG standards has reshaped the sector, with companies now required to prove their sustainability efforts to secure funding. De Leeneer stresses that this focus on sustainability is not just about technology — it’s about the people driving change. The industry is witnessing a surge in demand for technically skilled professionals as advancements in AI and autonomous vessels continue. As De Leeneer puts it, “I’m extremely positive that we’re going to create a lot of new technology, new sciences, and a lot of people will be positive about it.”

Looking ahead, De Leeneer remains optimistic about the future of the maritime industry. The shift towards sustainable practices is empowering young engineers and scientists, offering them the opportunity to make a lasting impact. With 70% of the planet covered by water, De Leeneer believes that those working in maritime engineering have the unique chance to protect the oceans and create a positive change for the world.