ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEMS
Managing impacts on biodiversity, pollution, and marine health
KCC is committed to reducing our environmental footprint across marine ecosystems. As a global shipping operator, we recognize that our operations may affect biodiversity through pollution, underwater noise, and the movement of invasive species. To mitigate this, our strategy integrates regulatory compliance, operational safeguards, and investments in cleaner technologies.
Key environmental focus areas
Marine life and underwater noise
Shipping activity can disturb marine habitats, particularly in areas where marine mammals feed, mate, or migrate. Our fleet follows routing and speed restrictions in Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), and we have embedded whale protection measures in our voyage planning, referencing the WSC Whale Chart. Operational measures such as reduced sailing speeds, shaft generators, and air lubrication systems are also applied to help reduce underwater noise. We conduct risk assessments and maintain regular crew awareness campaigns to ensure navigation in these areas is carried out with appropriate caution.
Invasive species
Invasive aquatic species can be transported via ballast water and biofouling. To address this, all KCC vessels are fitted with IMO-compliant Ballast Water Treatment Systems, and we operate under a Biofouling Management Plan across the fleet. We apply high-quality anti-fouling coatings, carry out regular hull cleaning, and dry-dock vessels approximately every 2.5 years to maintain effective protection. In 2024, we added silicone coatings on four vessels and now use nine in-transit hull cleaning robots to minimize fouling during voyages.
Pollution control
Our commitment to pollution control includes both emissions into the air and discharges into water. KCC complies with MARPOL Annexes covering non-GHG emissions like NOx and SOx, as well as effluents such as bilge, sewage, and grey water. Our CLEANBU vessels are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems that reduce NOx emissions and are used both in and beyond mandatory zones. Anti-fouling paints are certified under international conventions, and we conduct regular emergency drills, including annual oil spill response exercises, as part of our ISO 14001-certified environmental management system.
Strategy and governance
KCC’s Environmental Policy outlines our responsibility to prevent pollution and protect biodiversity. In addition to adhering to IMO regulations, we go beyond compliance where feasible; for example, by voluntarily using SCR systems in ports outside regulated zones. We also screen yards for ESG performance during dry-docks and newbuilding projects.
Training and awareness play a central role in our environmental work, with environmental responsibilities emphasized in crew education, office workshops, and through the application of updated procedures onboard.
While a formal biodiversity resilience analysis has not yet been conducted, KCC continues to monitor environmental risks, refine practices, and contribute to cross-industry dialogues such as those through the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI).