The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plans to implement its Net-Zero Framework in 2027, pending 2025 adoption. This framework introduces a two-tier compliance system and differential pricing for “remedial units,” requiring collaboration between shipowners and charterers. It aims to reshape decision-making in the maritime industry amid existing regulatory concerns.
The maritime industry, reliant on traditional fuels for decades, faces challenges in meeting emission standards with alternative fuels. Shipyards may struggle to adapt, impacting profitability. Dr. Ahlgren’s “Dual Fuel Strategy” suggests combining fossil fuels with electric power. Transitioning to alternative fuels poses challenges in energy density, safety, and infrastructure.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is spearheading a project to modernize seafarer training in the UK, aiming to set a gold standard for safer and greener shipping globally. UK submissions to the IMO’s HTW sub-committee have been accepted for consideration as a major amendment to the STCW convention.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting has won a contract to oversee the H2-Derivatives@BalticSeaPorts initiative, promoting hydrogen-based fuels in Baltic Sea ports. With 15 partners from seven countries, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of green energy in maritime transport. This collaborative effort is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and shaping a sustainable future for the industry.
In 2024, marine fuel sales in Singapore hit a new peak, driven by high container throughput and increased use of alternative fuels. Sales reached 54.92 million metric tons, breaking the previous record. The rise in demand for alternative fuels, including biofuel blends and LNG, reflects a shift towards more sustainable options in the maritime industry.
In 2024, the maritime industry witnessed a surge in orders for alternative fuel vessels, with 515 such ships ordered compared to the previous year. Container ships accounted for the majority of these orders, showcasing a shift towards sustainable propulsion technologies. LNG remained popular, but methanol and ammonia also gained traction as alternative fuel choices.
A.P. Moller-Maersk aims to increase its use of alternative fuels to 15-20% by 2030, part of its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. The company plans to use biodiesel, green methanol, and bio-methane in its vessels. Maersk is working to establish regulations with the IMO to promote cleaner alternatives in the shipping industry.
The maritime industry is shifting towards sustainability with zero and near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. Seafarers need new skills to handle these “green molecules” safely. The current STCW Convention lacks specific training for these fuels, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul. Key competencies and knowledge areas have been identified for seafarers.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) is collaborating with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation to develop training materials on alternative fuels for the maritime industry. The project aims to enhance seafarers’ competencies in using new low-emission fuels, addressing gaps in current training standards.
Dr. Olivier Denizart of Lubmarine stresses the importance of developing new marine lubricants to meet the demands of alternative fuels and emissions reduction. Manufacturers are enhancing lubricants for existing fuels and creating new ones for biofuels, e-fuels, MeHO, and NH3. The goal is to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure reliability.
Enova has dedicated 65 million euros to five hydrogen projects for maritime fuel solutions in Norway, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes annually. This investment will increase hydrogen production capacity to 100 MW by 2022, supporting the transition to cleaner shipping. Enova’s focus on zero-emission technologies signals a commitment to sustainable sea transport.
Shippers in Western Australia have successfully completed the first transfer of ammonia between ships, paving the way for its use as a marine fuel. While ammonia offers zero emissions potential, safety concerns and high costs pose challenges. Industry efforts are underway to address these issues and make ammonia a viable option.
A Finnish consortium, consisting of research organizations and companies, has launched the Flext-CPT project to create fuel-flexible solutions for maritime transport and off-road machinery. With a budget of €18 million, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% by developing innovative powertrain technologies.
The shipping industry is shifting towards LNG as a fuel source, with 2% of the global fleet now powered by LNG, projected to increase to 4% or 6% based on current orders. The growth has been significant, from 21 ships in 2010 to 590 in operation worldwide, with 564 more on order by 2028.
