Green Shipping: The Maritime Alternative Fuels Barometer
c: thetius
As the maritime industry faces growing pressure to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero targets, the search for sustainable alternative fuels has intensified.
But with an array of options like LNG, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia and more, each with unique prospects and challenges, determining the optimal pathway forward is complex.
To cut through the confusion, our latest report – The Maritime Alternative Fuels Barometer – provides a comprehensive, reality-checked view of the alternative fuels landscape based on insights from across the industry.
Combining qualitative interviews with 25 key maritime stakeholders and quantitative data on market activity and vessel orders, the report explores current perceptions versus realities around major fuels like LNG, methanol, biofuels, batteries, hydrogen and ammonia.
Key findings reveal:
- A multi-fuel future is inevitable, requiring a diverse and phased fuel strategy emphasising transition fuels like LNG and methanol in the short to medium term.
- Despite perceptions, most methanol today is fossil-fuel derived ‘grey methanol’ with high emissions – green methanol scalability is a key challenge.
- While batteries and shore power can support decarbonisation, deep sea shipping electrification remains unrealistic.
- Future fuels like hydrogen and ammonia hold promise but face massive hurdles around infrastructure, storage, bunkering and skills.
- Operational and technical optimisations will be crucial alongside alternative fuels.
With clear recommendations on developing a smart fuel strategy, investing in safety and infrastructure for future fuels and embracing optimisations, this report is essential reading for any maritime stakeholder navigating the transition to sustainable shipping.
Download now to gain an in-depth, reality-based perspective on the alternative fuels landscape and map a clearer route to decarbonisation.
Fiona Macdonald
Fiona is a senior technology analyst at Thetius. She spends her time researching and producing reports on maritime technology to help stakeholders make decisions that improve the efficiency and safety of their operations. She has previously worked for various maritime publications including Digital Ship, Vessel Performance Info, and Fathom Maritime Intelligence, and has a particular interest in shipping’s decarbonisation. Before joining the maritime industry, Fiona completed an undergraduate degree in geography and masters in volcanology.
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