Sustainability at Sea: Exploring ESG Challenges and Opportunities in Blue Denmark's Maritime Industry through the Phenomenon of Institutional Isomorphism

Abstract

This thesis examines the impact and challenges of institutional isomorphism in shaping sustainable governance structures in Blue Denmark's maritime sector as a driver of sustainable initiatives. It focuses on the European Union's reporting requirements under the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive, with a special interest in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. The study consists of four annual sustainability reports, supported by five interviews with four companies of varying sizes to represent the transport sector in Blue Denmark, exploring how they communicate and view the upcoming ESG framework. Additionally, the study includes two ethnographic field observations to understand how companies across Blue Denmark communicate ESG among themselves and their stakeholders. By grounding this study in social constructivism and critical realism, this thesis provides a nuanced insight into the multifaceted interplay in the maritime domain by socially constructing knowledge through the study's datasets. The research addresses the increasing attention to the maritime industry's influence on the oceans as a global common through the lens of organizational and development studies. The study tackles various economic, social, and environmental challenges, including vessel pollution, operational costs, green transition, crew and vessel safety, ecosystem health in the Baltic and North Sea, and human maritime security concerns in regions like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. By examining these issues, through the theoretical framework of Institutional Theory, this thesis aims to provide a holistic insight into the role of isomorphic elements in shaping organizational behaviors and communicative practices within the maritime sector. This thesis uncovers a promising trend of active engagement. This engagement is not limited to companies mandated to adhere to the framework in the near future. It argues that adopting an ecocentric perspective is not only crucial from a regulatory standpoint but also from a corporate one. This perspective recognizes the oceans as active participants in the maritime domain, not just as arenas for offshore and transportation activities. This research has practical opportunities for the maritime industry, as it can guide companies in their transition towards sustainable governance structures and the utilization of data as a means of communication.

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A master thesis from Aalborg University

Sustainability at Sea: Exploring ESG Challenges and Opportunities in Blue Denmark's Maritime Industry through the Phenomenon of Institutional Isomorphism

[Sustainability at Sea]