SSI’s new Toolkit charts a course for biodiversity-positive shipping

Today at COP 30 in Brazil, the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) is unveiling its new Marine Biodiversity & Ocean Health (MBOH) Breakthrough Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help the global maritime industry turn ambition into action for ocean health and biodiversity-positive shipping.

The Toolkit supports the growing recognition that marine biodiversity and ocean health are integral to the future of sustainable shipping. As scientific understanding advances and international frameworks expand, the Toolkit provides a clear, accessible entry point to help shipping stakeholders identify where to start, what to prioritise, and how to contribute to measurable progress. 

“Protecting ocean ecosystems is not only an environmental imperative — it’s a business necessity for the maritime sector,” said Ellie Besley-Gould, CEO of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative. “This Toolkit bridges the gap between high-level ambition and practical implementation, helping companies and policymakers take informed action that benefits both the ocean and the economy.” 

Developed by SSI with the support of the United Nations Foundation and the Climate Champions Team, the Toolkit reflects insights from a broad ecosystem of maritime and ocean actors. It aligns with the Marine Biodiversity and Ocean Health (MBOH) Breakthrough Roadmap, which sets a shared direction for the sector, including the goal to reduce the impact of international shipping on marine biodiversity by 30 percent by 2030. 

The MBOH Toolkit showcases leading initiatives, standards, technologies, and partnerships that can accelerate progress across biodiversity monitoring and marine spatial planning, to responsible ship recycling and ocean-positive investment frameworks.  

The Toolkit launch marks a major milestone in SSI’s broader mission to enable a sustainable and equitable shipping industry, and complements its ongoing work across decarbonisation, circularity, and social sustainability. 

The resource is designed to evolve over time, expanding as more organisations contribute examples, case studies, and lessons learned. SSI invites maritime stakeholders to explore the Toolkit, share their experiences, and collaborate to advance a thriving and resilient blue economy.