Second-hand price volatility of green ships: An empirical analysis across main shipping segments

Abstract

This work analyzes economic implications of climate change regulation in maritime transport by providing an in-depth evaluation of the relationship between the green profile of ships and their secondhand price volatility. It takes into account findings from an analysis of 500 ships across main shipping segments. Statistical results based on the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the standard deviation of year-to-year changes in second-hand ship prices indicate that, on average, green ships exhibit lower second-hand price volatility. Consequently green ships could provide more stable collateral to financiers and potentially steadier economic prospects to ship owners. In addition, this paper introduces the concept of stochastic dominance when analyzing the utilization prospects in the context of the chartering decision-making process of ships with different environmental profiles. It therefore complements existing research on split incentives as a barrier to energy efficiency.