New technology will play a huge role in meeting the IMO’s 2050 goals, but people, processes, and ways of working will be the foundation on which a sustainable future is built.

Emerging New Fuels

The maritime industry is exploring a wide range of new, eco-friendly fuels to reduce its impact on the environment and meet global targets for cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.

Along with well-known alternatives like bio-methanol and bio-based natural gas, there’s a push towards other innovative fuels. These include ‘blue’ fuels made from natural gas with carbon capture technology, biofuels from renewable sources like plants and waste, and electrofuels created using renewable electricity and elements like carbon or nitrogen. [1]

These innovative fuels are crucial for the industry’s goal to eliminate emissions. Some, like biogas, are already being used, while others, such as hydrogen and ammonia, are in the testing phase or being showcased in pilot projects. For example, the world’s first ferry powered by liquid hydrogen has already been launched, marking a significant step forward. Ongoing research and development of other new technologies, such as onboard carbon capture and storage, alongside the continual improvement of scrubber technology, plays a significant role in the industry’s decarbonisation journey. These changes are all part of a wider move to ensure that all types of fuels used in shipping are evaluated for their entire lifecycle emissions, from production to use, as per the guidelines being developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
This broadening of the fuel options highlights the industry’s proactive approach to finding various ways to achieve a sustainable, emission-free future, emphasising the need for ongoing innovation and collaboration to tackle the challenges of decarbonising maritime transport. [2] [3]

The World Bank has identified ammonia and hydrogen as especially promising zero-carbon bunker fuels, emphasising their potential role in the sector’s decarbonisation efforts. Ammonia, which can be produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, followed by synthesis with nitrogen from the air, offers a sustainable pathway for maritime fuel. Hydrogen, recognised for its high energy density and zero-carbon emission profile during combustion, presents another viable option. [4]

However, integrating these new fuels into the maritime industry comes with its set of challenges. Issues such as how to produce, store, and handle these new fuels safely need to be addressed. Ammonia and hydrogen, for instance, have different properties compared to traditional fuels, requiring new storage solutions, bunkering facilities, and engine adaptations. Safety is another major concern, given ammonia’s toxicity and hydrogen’s flammability, necessitating updates to current safety standards and protocols. [5]