How Oceanwide turned EU ETS compliance into climate leadership
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Oceanwide Expeditions is a 30-year veteran of polar cruising. We helped them hit 100% of their EU ETS compliance goals—then begin outlining a reforestation project in Brazil. Now, they are fully compliant, and they’re showing what true climate leadership looks like.
The hurdle: Navigating the fog of maritime regulation
Operating in the Arctic and Antarctic means working in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Sustainability is embedded in Oceanwide’s DNA, and the company feels a deep responsibility to protect the pristine environments it visits.
With the introduction of EU ETS maritime rules in 2024, Oceanwide found themselves floating in a sea of complex regulations. Without deep internal expertise in the regulatory landscape, they knew that any misstep could expose the company to compliance risks.
To move forward with confidence, Oceanwide recognized they needed a sustainability partner who could help translate complex legislation into clear, practical advice. They also wanted to work with someone who could help them make smarter long-term decisions regarding sustainability. That’s when they reached out to us.
The strategy: Tackle compliance, then think bigger
Oceanwide already knew of ACT and was aware of our reputation as a strategic partner capable of advancing ambitious environmental goals. Our broad, multi-disciplinary expertise and strong understanding of the maritime industry made us a natural fit for the partnership.
We began by clarifying the regulatory and compliance requirements. Then, we looked at their long-term vision and provided practical, operational guidance on how to achieve it in the carbon markets. We built a plan around their hedging strategy and procured EUAs. We’ve stayed on as an advisor to ensure the timely surrender of allowances.
While compliance was the start, Oceanwide quickly saw an opportunity to go further. Over time, our partnership evolved to look towards Oceanwide’s longer-term sustainability goals.
The impact: 100% compliance and a plan for the future
Oceanwide is set up for short- and long-term success. The company now has:
A sustainability roadmap that helps them stay ahead of regulatory shifts
The tools to monitor and communicate progress credibly
ACT as a long-term partner so they are always audit-ready
More importantly, though, we helped Oceanwide start proactively pushing their environmental ambitions forward. Together, we’re defining the scope for a reforestation project in Brazil. By aiming to plant 3.000 hectares of native-species trees, Oceanwide is expected to remove 1 million tCO2 over the next 40 years.
Now, the company’s sustainability efforts are aligned with its long-term vision. Oceanwide’s internal team feels proud of the impact they’re making, and they can show guests, partners, and other stakeholders real, tangible results.
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“ACT helped us navigate complexity and turn ambition into action. What started with compliance evolved into a long-term partnership focused on transparency, ownership, and real climate impact.”
Our specialists
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Arthur Vanderschooten
Climate Finance Lead Nature-Based Solutions
Amsterdam
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Ricardo Gomes César
Senior Technical Specialist
Amsterdam
Ready to turn maritime compliance into opportunity?
Environmental regulations are complex, but you don’t need to meet them alone. Contact our maritime specialists today to turn compliance into a clear, competitive advantage for your business.