Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity: The Freight Forwarder’s Role in Safeguarding Our Seas

For freight forwarders, shipping lines, ports, and supply‐chain operators, the ocean is not just a backdrop, but rather a highway for most international trade. The maritime shipping sector carried more than 80% of global trade. The ocean economy, that is, the mix of goods and services tied to the ocean, including shipping, fisheries, marine energy, tourism, etc., in 2023 contributed over $2.2 trillion in trade in goods & services, amounting to about 7% of world trade.

In 2019, EFL ‘Global Goodness’ was launched to mobilize our ESG strategy through projects focused on environmental, social, and governance aspects. We actively encourage employee volunteerism in sustainable projects, cultivating a ‘conscious’ workforce and community that aligns with EFL’s core value of mindful execution. Over the years, we conducted multiple ‘Global Goodness’ initiatives focusing mainly on protecting and restoring ecosystems, and conserving coastal and marine areas. These projects were conducted across a diverse set of regions, including South Asia, South America, and East Asia.  

 ‘Blue Heart’ of the Planet

The ocean, a vast expanse engulfing two-thirds of our planet. It supports enormous biodiversity, regulates climate, provides food, livelihoods, and is deeply interwoven with human society. From generating oxygen to absorbing a large share of carbon dioxide and providing jobs in multiple sectors, the vitality of our oceans is immense.

For freight forwarders, shipping lines, ports, and supply‐chain operators, the ocean is not just a backdrop, but rather a highway for most international trade. The maritime shipping sector carried more than 80% of global trade. The ocean economy, that is, the mix of goods and services tied to the ocean, including shipping, fisheries, marine energy, tourism, etc., in 2023 contributed over $2.2 trillion in trade in goods & services, amounting to about 7% of world trade.

These figures underscore a crucial fact: global trade, supply chains, and economic development are profoundly reliant on the health, stability, and sustainability of the seas. 

World Maritime Day 2025

On the 25th of September each year, the world gathers to observe World Maritime Day. The theme chosen by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) this year is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”. It highlights three pillars:

• Our Ocean – a recognition of the essential, multifaceted role the ocean plays: as a trade route, climate regulator, source of food, livelihoods, and biodiversity.
• Our Obligation – the responsibility of all maritime sector actors to protect marine environments, to manage resources sustainably, and to comply with regulatory frameworks.
• Our Opportunity – the chance to innovate, lead, and collaborate by aligning with global initiatives, and to integrate sustainable practices that both protect the ocean and sustain trade. 

Thus, this year’s theme offers a unique roadmap. It calls for striking a balance: to maintain the growth and efficiency of global maritime trade while ensuring that the ocean is not degraded in irreversible ways. 

Responsibility of Stakeholders in Freight Forwarding

As a leading freight forwarder and logistics provider, EFL’s role lies at the intersection of many moving parts: the shippers, carriers, ports, regulatory bodies, financing, insurance, and finally the customers. With a global presence and stations across 39 countries while catering to numerous customers, our commitment to the safe and efficient usage of the ocean is essential. We coordinate shipments, optimize routes, help clients comply with regulations, and ensure timely delivery. Therefore, we are uniquely positioned to lead on sustainable maritime trade. 

To demonstrate EFL’s commitment to the sustainability of our operations, and a global push for sustainable business development, we developed an ESG strategy derived from our vision to be recognized as one of the leading sustainable organizations in the logistics industry. This strategy is also inspired by other elements such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and the UN Global Compact (UN GC), which EFL is a signatory to. 

In 2019, EFL ‘Global Goodness’ was launched to mobilize our ESG strategy through projects focused on environmental, social, and governance aspects. We actively encourage employee volunteerism in sustainable projects, cultivating a ‘conscious’ workforce and community that aligns with EFL’s core value of mindful execution. Over the years, we conducted multiple ‘Global Goodness’ initiatives focusing mainly on protecting and restoring ecosystems, and conserving coastal and marine areas. These projects were conducted across a diverse set of regions, including South Asia, South America, and East Asia. 

From an operational standpoint, EFL offers numerous sustainable solutions to our customers. EFL also holds membership in key working groups and industry organizations, including Smart Freight Centre, to enhance industry collaboration and develop solutions for more environmentally friendly shipping methods.

Navigating the Future

World Maritime Day 2025 reminds us that the ocean is not an inexhaustible resource and merely a conduit for trade. It is a dynamic system that serves as a source of food, a climate regulator, and a home for many species. While global trade and shipping remain essential for the efficient moving of goods across the world, there should not be a trade-off between global trade and the protection of the ocean.

As EFL, we commit to using our voice, our network, and our operations to help ensure that when we look back in years to come, we will have played our part in ensuring that the ocean continues to sustain life and trade, for generations to come.