Sourcing resilience includes environmental and operational risk
UNCTAD's Review of Maritime Transport 2025 highlights a shipping sector undergoing digital, environmental and geoeconomic transitions. It notes that alternative-fuel vessels represented more than half of newly ordered ship tonnage, while more than 90% of the operating fleet continued to use conventional fuels.
These observations illustrate why procurement teams should distinguish stated sustainability goals from verifiable supplier practices. Depending on the product, useful evidence can include certification scope, origin documentation, transport records and supplier audit processes.
Responsible sourcing is not a single badge. Businesses can define proportionate supplier-screening criteria, verify documentation and revisit risks when trade routes or regulations change. No particular supplier's compliance is implied by this article.
Sources and methodology
Source: UNCTAD — Review of Maritime Transport 2025. Figures are attributed to their original publishers; procurement implications are CORVELIX editorial interpretation, not statements by the cited organizations.