ALTERNATIVE FUELS AN OVERVIEW

After the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) took important measures to tackle the issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the shipping industry.

INTRODUCTION

They set ambitious targets in line with the Agreement's objectives, aiming to achieve a minimum 50% reduction in annual GHG emissions by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. However, there is a growing call from industry bodies and IMO members for an even more ambitious goal: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This shift to a net-zero target would require setting more ambitious interim objectives for 2030 and 2040 to ensure that the industry stays on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

The IMO has made significant decisions regarding the reduction of sulphur content in ship fuel and GHG emissions. These regulations, which came into effect from January 2020, have a profound impact on the future composition of ship fuels. Currently, heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas oil (MGO) only make up a quarter of global diesel fuel and petrol production. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) holds a similar share, but its usage is limited, accounting for only around 10% of the overall gas market.

In order to effectively achieve the decarbonization goals of the shipping industry, it is crucial to adopt innovative propulsion systems that rely on alternative fuels. However, this transition to alternative fuels poses various challenges that shipowners need to address. One of the primary concerns is safety. It is essential to ensure the safe storage and use of alternative fuels, requiring careful consideration during the ship's design and construction phase. Shipowners must take into account the specific operating profile and architecture of the vessel to accommodate the unique requirements of these alternative fuels. Moreover, comprehensive crew training programs need to be implemented to equip personnel with the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle these fuels safely.