Ocean Network Express Reinforces Green Strategy with New Ship Recycling Policy and SRTI Membership
Tokyo, May 30, 2025 — Ocean Network Express (ONE), a leading global container shipping company, has made a significant leap forward in its sustainability efforts by adopting a formal Ship Recycling Policy and joining the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI). These strategic moves reflect the company’s intensified commitment to environmentally responsible operations and transparency in maritime practices.
The newly implemented Ship Recycling Policy mandates that all ONE-owned vessels must be dismantled and recycled exclusively at facilities certified to meet internationally recognized environmental and safety standards. This shift ensures that end-of-life vessel recycling aligns with ethical labor conditions and rigorous environmental safeguards, avoiding harmful practices that have historically plagued the industry.
By becoming a member of the SRTI—a multi-stakeholder initiative hosted by the Sustainable Shipping Initiative—ONE pledges to share detailed information about its ship recycling processes. This transparency empowers cargo owners, investors, regulators, and civil society to hold the maritime industry accountable for sustainable recycling methods, creating momentum toward cleaner and safer end-of-life vessel practices.
Driving Sustainable Change
“By developing a robust policy and joining the SRTI, we’re taking a meaningful step forward in our ‘Clean Ship Recycling’ initiative—one of the seven key pillars of ONE’s Green Strategy,” said Michimasa Noda, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at ONE. “We remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities as a shipowner and to promoting safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible ship recycling practices across the maritime industry.”
The move is especially timely, as the global fleet continues to age and the need for sustainable decommissioning grows. According to maritime analysts, the average lifespan of container ships is approximately 25–30 years, after which recycling is necessary. However, a significant portion of the world’s ships are still dismantled on beaches in South Asia, under hazardous and polluting conditions. ONE’s new policy helps steer the industry away from these practices.
Reinforcing the Green Strategy
The Ship Recycling Policy and SRTI membership are the latest initiatives under ONE’s broader Green Strategy, launched to address the growing demand for sustainable shipping. The strategy includes seven focal areas: Clean Ship Recycling, Alternative Fuels, Energy Efficiency, Green Innovation, Environmental Partnerships, Operational Excellence, and Transparent Reporting.
ONE’s ongoing operational reforms include recent updates to its Japan Korea 1 (JK1) service, which is now redesigned to enhance efficiency and reliability while minimizing environmental impacts. By optimizing routes and schedules, the company aims to reduce fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—a win for both customers and the climate.
ONE LEAF+: Biofuels and Beyond
In parallel with recycling initiatives, ONE continues to expand its green shipping services. A standout program is ONE LEAF+, developed in collaboration with Yusen Logistics. This service uses marine biofuels derived from used cooking oil—an advanced low-carbon fuel that can cut CO2 emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional marine fuels.
ONE LEAF+ offers businesses a flexible solution for reducing their Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from value chain activities) while maintaining efficient supply chains. Customers can also receive certified data on their carbon savings, facilitating ESG reporting and climate goal tracking.
The success of ONE LEAF+ positions ONE as a key contributor to decarbonizing the logistics sector. The service has garnered interest from shippers looking to align their supply chains with Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and net-zero pledges.
Industry Momentum Toward Responsible Recycling
ONE’s decision to join the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative places it among a growing list of responsible shipowners, charterers, and financial stakeholders advocating for improved ship recycling standards. Launched in 2018, the SRTI is designed to drive change by shedding light on shipowners’ policies and practices, encouraging others to follow suit through competitive pressure and market forces.
SRTI transparency disclosures include details about recycling facilities used, third-party certifications, auditing procedures, worker safety standards, and environmental impact mitigation measures. By publicly reporting this information, companies like ONE aim to level the playing field, fostering an environment where ethical practices are the norm rather than the exception.
A Blueprint for the Future
As pressure mounts for the maritime sector to align with global climate and sustainability goals, ONE’s recent initiatives mark an important benchmark for corporate responsibility. The combination of policy implementation, voluntary transparency, and technological innovation reflects a blueprint for the future of global shipping—one that is cleaner, more equitable, and accountable.
In an industry historically known for opacity in end-of-life vessel practices, ONE’s leadership is significant. It not only protects marine ecosystems and vulnerable coastal communities but also responds to growing stakeholder expectations from regulators, customers, and financial institutions.
Looking ahead, ONE is expected to deepen its partnerships and explore additional measures to further reduce its environmental footprint. With green corridors, zero-emission vessels, and circular economy principles gaining traction across the sector, ONE’s efforts may set a precedent for broader change.
As the global shipping industry undergoes its most transformative decade, Ocean Network Express stands out as a company committed not only to operational excellence but also to sustainable stewardship of the seas.
