Sustainability - the globe in our hands

Corporate sustainability

Our blueprint for a greener maritime industry

Royal IHC aims to be among the leading suppliers of innovative and sustainable vessels, equipment, and services in its markets, aligning with global developments in sustainable maritime technology and practices.

By developing advanced expertise in low GHG power supply systems and integrating these technologies into vessel designs, we actively support our customers in reducing their carbon footprint. 

The pace of regulatory developments influences the demand for sustainable newbuild and refits, but this not withstand Royal IHC to invest in R&D projects focused on low emission and energy-efficient solutions. 

Double Materiality Assessment

Key focus areas on ESG

Royal IHC adopted a Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) as the foundation for its sustainability reporting. Through this methodology, Royal IHC identified its material impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs).

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Environment

Climate change mitigations

We design vessels and equipment that are more efficient and produce fewer emissions, in line with developments from the maritime sector. Recognising that our greatest impact lies in the performance of our products, we continuously invest in R&D to enhance efficiency and accelerate the integration of alternative fuels.

Royal IHC advises clients on all type of options to improve the environmental performance of vessels. Various sustainable technologies are already available and can be adopted today. We recognise that clients currently hesitate to invest in vessels with a high environmental performance, due to the fuel costs, regulatory conditions and uncertainty and limited long-term sustainable contracts. 

Our targets

  • 2030: 
    • A trusted partner in retrofitting and offer expert sustainability advice for our clients.
    • Meet EU’s 2030 target of a 55% absolute emissions reduction.
    • Establish a pathway to reach net-zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2050.
    • Able to offer near-zero and zero emission vessel designs across our market portfolio.
    • Able to deliver maritime solutions that exceed environmental performance standards on air pollution.

    • Reduce air pollutants emissions in our own operations below regulatory thresholds.

  • 2050: 
    • We have become a climate neutral organization by 2050 in scope 1 and 2.
    • We have a proven track record in the delivery of highly efficient and zero emission vessels.
    • We are a climate resilient company, equipped to anticipate, withstand and adapt to extreme weather events.
    • We eliminate all harmful emissions across operations and products.
    • We implement circularity principles in our products, services and operation.

Social

Royal IHC’s employees are the organisation’s greatest asset. Their craftsmanship, knowledge, and experience form the foundation of long term business continuity.

Social initiatives

  • IHC Foundation supports social and cultural initiatives in the regions where Royal IHC is active.
  • Skills development is continuously supported through performance management reviews, other initiatives: 
    • Our Vocational School Program provides young, motivated, and hands on oriented craftsmen and craftswomen with the opportunity to learn the practical skills required for production work in an internationally oriented organisation.  
    • The Trainings Institute offers comprehensive training solutions for both Royal IHC employees and external personnel.
    • The Academy provides access to more than 200 online courses and e learning modules for all audiences and proficiency levels.
  • A healthy work-life balance is stimulated by: 
    • Flexible working hours for office-based employees.
    • Working from-home-arrangements.
    • Parental leave options.

Governance

Royal IHC sticks to its core values: Commitment, Partnership, and Innovation.
These guide in strategic decisions and our daily operations as we navigate and play our part in shaping the future of the maritime industry. 

The Management Board stands at the centre of our governance structure, supported by Group Legal: a dedicated team responsible for governance, risk, legal, and compliance. Together with the senior leadership team, they ensure that Royal IHC operates according to the highest standards of business integrity and with a strong sense of responsibility. 

Royal IHC maintains zero tolerance for practices that exploit or harm individuals, including all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, bonded labour, and child labour.