From Barrier to Enabler: The Role of Law in Closing the Maritime Energy Efficiency Gap

Kaparaki, A and Kontovas, C ORCID: 0000-0001-9461-6436 (2026) From Barrier to Enabler: The Role of Law in Closing the Maritime Energy Efficiency Gap. In: Proceedings of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) 2026 Conference 2026 Conference . (International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) 2026 Conference, 20th Jun - 3rd July 2026, Singapore).

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Abstract

This paper revisits the energy efficiency gap in maritime shipping by foregrounding its legal and regulatory dimensions. While economic and technical barriers have been extensively studied, the analysis here emphasizes how law and regulation shape investment behaviour, risk allocation, and contractual relationships in the shipping industry. Drawing on Sorrell et al.’s taxonomy of barriers, each category is reinterpreted through a legal lens. The analysis shows that legal instruments are not merely compliance tools but can function as active enablers of decarbonisation. The paper concludes with a research agenda aimed at harmonising legal frameworks, standardising contractual practices, and fostering institutional coherence to accelerate the uptake of cost-effective abatement measures in global shipping.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Liverpool Logistics Offshore and Marine Research Institute (LOOM)
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) V Naval Science > VM Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering
Divisions:	Engineering and Built Environment
Publisher:	International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME)
Date of acceptance:	4 April 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	24 August 2026
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2026 10:02
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2026 10:02
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29179

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