Assessing the macroeconomic and social impacts of slow steaming in shipping: a literature review on small island developing states and least developed countries

Abstract The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) as short term measures for decarbonisation of shipping industry; IMO also made collection relevant data associated reporting indicator mandatory from January 2023. However, many existing ships do not meet EEXI CII “targets” cannot invest in other technologies to requirements. Given various barriers energy efficiency, application slow steaming may be a measure effectively A qualitative systematic literature review was conducted on potential macroeconomic social impacts states, with special focus Small Island Development States Least Developed Countries, when used primary modality reducing GHG emissions shipping. This effort includes peer-reviewed studies gray literature, which include examples that borrow aftermath economic crisis manifested 2008. vast majority those is focused cost-effectiveness or impact transportation costs using slow-steaming means marine fuel consumption. Moreover, number these were relying modeling techniques, by limited routes determine effects slow-steaming. reasonable degree agreement emerged reduction results speed, being attributed primarily reduced costs, it associated. Other cost-increasing factors, such vessel operating had less dominant effect. often pointed out cost resulting unevenly distributed among maritime stakeholders. Shipping companies main beneficiaries significant savings, but "savings" always passed shippers.