The SSI is a unique project as it is:

• Strategic: the Initiative looks beyond immediate regulatory concerns to the key challenges and trends, and frams an ambitious opportunity agenda for the industry.
• Global: a multinational membership to address global concerns.
• Integrated: bringing together shipping companies and key stakeholders like customers and financiers.
• Balanced: while recognising climate change, the SSI will also address wider sustainability issues such as biodiversity, transparency and economic development.
• Independent: while most members will have legitimate commercial interests, the involvement of Forum for the Future and WWF ensures that it acts as an independent force for sustainable development, reinforcing constructive interaction with policy-makers.

You can download a presentation about the SSI here.

SSI project phases:

Phase I | Case for Action
2010 - May 2011 launch
In May 2011 we launched a Case for Action which explores the social, environmental and economic challenges the industry faces and how best to react to them. Leading businesses, including fleet operators, their suppliers, customers and financiers, have looked ahead to 2040 and drawn up a Case for Action to create a flourishing industry with much higher social and environmental standards.

Phase II | Vision 2040
June 2011 - October 2011
Building on the Case for Action we explored what it really means for shipping to be sustainable and created a vision of the industry in 2040 which is socially and environmentally responsible, resilient and profitable. With this Vision, we are providing a proactive response to the challenges presented in the Case for Action, and are developing a framework for members to shape the future they want. In October 2011, we launched an overarching vision for the shipping industry and a set of commitments the SSI Members have signed up to.

Phase III | Future Innovations
April 2012 - September 2013
The work streams are a significant step for the SSI as it works toward achieving its vision of a shipping industry that is both profitable and sustainable by 2040. They will develop new knowledge, tools and processes for the industry over the next 18 months, utilising members’ extensive expertise spanning ship owning, chartering and operations to shipbuilding and engineering, marine finance and insurance, banking, technical standards and global supply chain.

Phase IV | Wider Industry Action
2013 onwards
From 2013 members will work together to implement the action plan and engage the rest of the industry.

Keep in touch
If you want to find out more or get involved in the Initiative contact Sam Kimmins, +44 (0)20 7324 3675, ssi@forumforthefuture.org

To stay up to date with the latest SSI news follow us on twitter @sustshipping or send an email to ssi@forumforthefuture.org to be added to our mailing list.