Competing institutional logics and institutional erosion in environmental governance of maritime transport. (June 2021) - Monios, Jason
Abstract: This paper explores the process of deinstitutionalization of maritime transport governance due to competing institutional logics. The sector continues to operate with a business-as-usual logic while simultaneously paying lip service to a logic of sustainability. The key regulator of the sector, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), attempts to bring in stricter environmental legislation, but the dominant logic will not allow these developments. At the same time, the sustainability logic driven by peripheral actors cannot achieve domination. This leads to an ongoing erosion of the legitimacy of the institution of maritime transport governance and a state of inertia with no new institution able to emerge. This stagnation is, in some ways, worse than a decline because current issues cannot be addressed, leading to a loss of trust in the system, further stagnation and impasse, and no action on GHG emissions. Highlights: Applies a framework of institutional change to environmental governance of maritime transport. Observes that ongoing technical debates prevent meaningful change, and legitimacy is eroded. Explores how an institution may erode but not be replaced or changed due to high levels of inertia. Identifies a loss of trust in the system, stagnation and impasse, thus no action on GHG emissions.