
(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The marine industry is facing significant challenges. Stringent environmental regulations, uncertainties about the impact of globalisation, geopolitical influences, digitalisation and cyber risks are multiplying an already complex operating landscape. At the same time, shipping’s stakeholders are trying to identify and deploy the most suitable decarbonisation strategies by investigating propulsion efficiencies and fuel options. Aside from the pressure human activities have put on biodiversity, the most important threat to the planet is the increase in global temperatures, mainly caused by anthropogenic emissions. Deforestation continues, adding pressure on biodiversity and accelerating global warming; lately, fires are causing rapid changes to forested areas, adding to the impact of global warming. Prompt and impactful action is required to steer our society towards a more sustainable future.
The shipping industry is responsible for approximately 3% of the global CO2 emissions caused by human activities. In April 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed to align its regulations with the goals of the UN’s Paris Agreement, thereby reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping. The ‘Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships’ (Resolution MEPC.304(72)), included the ambition to reduce annual emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, beginning a massive and international shift towards the adoption of zero- and low-carbon fuels for the industry. This strategy was revised in 2023 during Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 80, increasing significantly the levels of ambition to reaching net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
At the same time, the European Union through the European Green Deal and the 2030 Climate Target Plan aimed to reduce GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030, relative to 1990, and achieve climate neutrality in 2050. All sectors should contribute to these targets, including maritime transport. The EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package of measures has, for the most part, been adopted, including the extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime transport and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation.
Achieving these targets will require a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, potentially requiring different engines and fuel systems onboard ships. With the average commercial ship having a lifetime of more than 20 years, owners’ uncertainty about which investments to make has put a hold on many decisions for building new ships. As such, pressure is building for the transition to begin as soon as possible. At the same time, regulatory developments in the EU indicate that a quicker response is needed from shipping.
Among the broad spectrum of technology and fuel solution pathways presently available to ship designers, builders, owners, and operators, synthetic fuels or, more specifically, renewable e-fuels, offer medium and long-term alternatives that can enter the market relatively quickly. This new report from EMSA, analyses the potential of e-diesel, e-methane, and e-methanol across a range of areas and indicators, including production, sustainability, availability, techno-economic aspects, and the regulatory landscape.
This report examines Synthetic Fuels for Shipping, Availability, Suitability, Sustainability, Techno-Economic Aspects, Regulations, as major components. You can download the report below:
Source: EMSA
Read more on Ammonia as a fuel, HERE.