Assessment 5: Policy Brief on Maritime Decarbonisation, Carbon Pricing, Sanctions and AI Governance (1,500–2,000 words)

Module and Assessment Overview

Module title: Maritime Policy, Decarbonisation and Global Governance
Assessment type: Individual policy brief
Weighting: 20–30% of module grade (see module handbook)
Length: 1,500–2,000 words (excluding references, figures and annexes)
Submission format: Policy brief (DOCX or PDF) via the VLE/learning portal
Level: Final-year undergraduate / postgraduate taught (Level 6/7 equivalent)

Assessment Context

Decarbonisation of shipping is now a central maritime policy priority, driven by updated IMO greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy targets, regional initiatives such as the inclusion of maritime transport in the EU Emissions Trading System and emerging national measures. Carbon pricing options, including levies, offsetting schemes and emissions trading, are being debated alongside complementary measures like green corridors and fuel standards, while policy makers try to avoid carbon leakage, hub relocation and disproportionate impacts on developing states. In parallel, sanctions regimes and AI-enabled monitoring tools are reshaping compliance and enforcement landscapes, raising questions about fairness, sustainability and data governance in global maritime trade. This assessment trains you to think and write in the concise, action-oriented format used in government departments, intergovernmental organisations and industry associations.

Assessment Task

Task Description

Prepare a 1,500–2,000 word policy brief aimed at senior decision-makers (for example a transport ministry, regional organisation, port authority, or industry association) on one of the following themes (or a tutor-approved variant):

  1. Maritime decarbonisation and just transition

    • Advise on how to design a national or regional maritime decarbonisation strategy that is consistent with updated IMO GHG goals while addressing distributional impacts on vulnerable states, ports and supply chains.

  2. Carbon pricing in shipping

    • Assess policy options for pricing GHG emissions from international shipping (for example levy, offsetting, ETS) and recommend a preferred approach or package for the client jurisdiction, addressing effectiveness, competitiveness and equity.

  3. Sanctions, trade turbulence and maritime sustainability

    • Analyse how sanctions and trade disruptions affect maritime supply chains and environmental performance and propose measures to limit negative spillovers while maintaining compliance.

  4. AI and digital tools for decarbonisation and compliance

    • Evaluate the potential and risks of using AI-based monitoring and analytics to support decarbonisation targets, carbon pricing enforcement and sanctions compliance in shipping, including governance and data issues.

Core Requirements

Your policy brief must:

i. Define the policy problem and audience

  • State clearly who the brief is for (for example “Ministry of Transport, State X”) and what decision or process it is meant to inform.

  • Summarise the problem in 3–5 sentences, using concrete indicators where possible (for example emissions trends, cost impacts, trade exposure).

ii. Summarise the evidence base

  • Present relevant facts, trends and scenarios drawing on recent empirical and policy studies (for example decarbonisation surveys, carbon pricing analyses, sanctions impact research).

  • Use simple charts or tables where appropriate (if permitted) and keep technical terms to what is necessary for decision-makers.

iii. Set out policy options

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  • Identify 2–4 concrete policy options or packages, such as specific forms of carbon pricing, support measures for vulnerable actors, or digital compliance tools.

  • Briefly describe how each option works and what institutional changes would be required.

iv. Analyse trade-offs and distributional effects

  • Compare options using clear criteria such as environmental effectiveness, cost, competitiveness, impacts on developing countries, political feasibility and administrative complexity.

  • Highlight who gains and who loses under each option, including small island developing states, landlocked developing countries, ports and carriers.

v. Provide clear recommendations

  • State a preferred option or package and justify it succinctly with reference to the evidence and criteria.

  • Include 3–6 specific, actionable recommendations with indicative timelines or sequencing.

vi. Point to implementation and monitoring needs

  • Flag key implementation risks (for example carbon leakage, hub switching, compliance gaps, data limitations) and suggest how to monitor and adjust policy over time.

Indicative Structure

  • Title and subtitle (1 page header style)

  • Executive summary (150–200 words)

    1. Background and problem statement

    1. Evidence and current landscape

    1. Policy options

    1. Assessment of options and distributional impacts

    1. Recommendations and implementation considerations

  • References / further reading (Harvard style; concise list)

  • Annex (optional: one page of supporting data or definitions)

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Formatting and Submission Requirements

  • Word count: 1,500–2,000 words (excluding references and annex). State the word count on the front page.

  • Style: Policy brief format with clear headings, subheadings and short paragraphs; bullet points allowed where they improve clarity.

  • Font and spacing: 11- or 12-point font, 1.15–1.5 line spacing, appropriate white space to mimic professional policy briefs.

  • Referencing: Harvard style; keep the reference list focused on key sources (typically 8–12 items).

  • Audience: Write in accessible, non-technical language suitable for informed but non-specialist decision-makers.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

  • LO1: Explain the main policy instruments and governance debates around maritime decarbonisation, carbon pricing, sanctions and related AI tools.

  • LO2: Synthesise complex technical and economic evidence into concise, decision-oriented briefing material.

  • LO3: Evaluate distributional and justice implications of maritime climate and compliance policies.

  • LO4: Formulate clear, actionable policy recommendations for governmental or organisational clients.

  • LO5: Communicate in a professional policy brief format used in industry and international organisations.

Marking Criteria and Scoring Rubric

The policy brief will be marked out of 100 and contributes 20–30% of the module grade.

Criterion Weight Excellent (70–100) Good (60–69) Satisfactory (50–59) Fail (<50)
1. Problem definition and audience focus 15% Problem and target audience are precisely defined; brief remains tightly focused on their decision needs throughout. Problem and audience are clear with minor drift from focus. Problem is somewhat general; audience needs are only partially addressed. Problem and audience are vague or inconsistent; brief lacks focus.
2. Use and synthesis of evidence 25% Draws on strong, recent empirical and policy evidence; synthesises key messages clearly without overloading detail. Uses appropriate evidence with some synthesis; a few gaps or excess detail. Evidence base is limited, uneven or mainly descriptive. Very weak or outdated evidence; major omissions or misinterpretations.
3. Policy options and analysis of trade-offs 25% Options are concrete, distinct and realistically specified; trade-offs and distributional effects are analysed with clear criteria. Options are sensible and generally well analysed, though some trade-offs are underdeveloped. Options are loosely formulated or overlapping; trade-off analysis is basic. Options are unclear, implausible or missing; little or no analysis of trade-offs.
4. Recommendations and implementation insight 20% Recommendations are specific, prioritised and clearly justified; implementation risks and monitoring needs are realistically assessed. Recommendations are relevant and mostly justified; some reference to implementation. Recommendations are generic or weakly linked to analysis; limited discussion of implementation. Recommendations are absent, vague or disconnected from the rest of the brief.
5. Structure, writing and professional presentation 10% Brief is well-structured, readable and visually clear, with appropriate headings and signposting; referencing is accurate. Structure and writing are clear overall, with minor issues; referencing mostly correct. Organisation or writing style hinders quick comprehension; referencing shows recurring errors. Poorly structured or written; not presented in a recognisable policy brief format; referencing inadequate.
6. Engagement with equity and just transition issues 5% Demonstrates strong awareness of fairness and just transition concerns, especially for developing countries and vulnerable actors. Shows some engagement with equity issues, though not fully integrated. Mentions equity or distributional aspects briefly with limited analysis. No meaningful consideration of equity or just transition.

Shipping ministries that treat decarbonisation as a narrow technical agenda risk underestimating its distributional consequences for smaller carriers, peripheral ports and developing trading partners that rely on affordable sea transport. Early modelling indicates that even modest carbon prices applied to international voyages can raise freight rates enough to shift some trade flows, especially for low-value, long-distance bulk commodities, unless targeted support and transitional measures are built into policy design. Policy makers who combine a predictable carbon price with revenue recycling for fleet renewal, port infrastructure upgrades and technical assistance to small island and least developed states are more likely to maintain political support and avoid a fragmented “two-speed” decarbonisation pathway in which only the most capital-rich carriers can adopt zero-emission technologies. Anchoring these choices in a just transition narrative that emphasises resilience, energy security and industrial opportunities can help align maritime climate policies with broader economic development objectives rather than framing them solely as compliance costs.

The integration of AI and digital monitoring for maritime emissions compliance presents both opportunities and risks. While automated data collection, predictive analytics and remote auditing can improve transparency and reduce enforcement costs, reliance on these tools raises concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and potential bias in algorithmic decision-making. Policymakers must therefore couple AI adoption with clear governance standards, independent oversight, and regular evaluation to ensure that technological solutions complement rather than replace human judgment and equitable regulatory oversight (Romano et al., 2021).

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