Collaboration and cautious optimism to the fore in Amsterdam

The Maritime Decarbonisation Conference in Amsterdam delivered valuable insights into the multifaceted approaches to shipping’s decarbonisation challenge, fostering a spirit of collaboration and cautious optimism among attendees.

The event provided a comprehensive overview of the industry’s progress and challenges, with a particular focus on regulatory complexities, technological innovations and strategies for implementing and financing next-generation green technologies.

The conference brought together industry professionals, spanning shipowners, technology providers, fuel suppliers, port authorities, classification societies and regulatory bodies. The energy across the two day event reflected the urgency of the decarbonisation challenge and the industry’s commitment to finding solutions, despite the complexities involved.

A key theme that emerged was the critical importance of collaboration and the combination of technologies across multiple sectors for achieving climate abatement in the maritime industry. As one attendee noted, "This is a very interesting and new journey for us all, but I leave the conference more optimistic than I arrived and I met a lot of interesting people and organisations."

Presentations and discussions explored a wide range of decarbonisation strategies, from alternative fuels like hydrogen, ammonia and e-methanol to energy efficiency technologies such as wind propulsion and advanced hull coatings. The conference highlighted the tension between the need for immediate action and the uncertainties surrounding long-term technological and regulatory developments.

A significant focus was placed on the industry’s readiness for upcoming regulations, particularly FuelEU. Speakers highlighted several challenges, including the low availability of compliant bunker fuel, immature technology for zero-carbon fuels, higher prices and price volatility for alternative fuels and shipping companies looking for greater guidance on compliance strategies.

To address the industry’s concerns about regulatory compliance and technological readiness, a range of innovative solutions were presented. These included a sophisticated software platform designed to help shipping companies monitor fleet compliance and evaluate different strategies to meet regulatory requirements. Another standout technology was a compact and efficient wind propulsion solution, promising significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Advanced fuel treatment technologies aimed at optimising engine performance across various fuel types were also showcased, alongside cutting-edge hull coatings demonstrating significant potential for improving vessel efficiency. An innovative port coordination system illustrated how improved logistics can contribute to emissions reduction in port areas, while novel shore power solutions addressed the challenges of electrification in ports, highlighting the potential for reducing emissions during berthing.

The interactive nature of the conference was exemplified by the 16 roundtables, which covered a wide range of critical topics. Discussions on sustainable data acquisition, decarbonisation pathways for LNG-powered vessels, adapting to new emissions regulations like EU ETS and the role of digital tools in ports for maritime decarbonisation were particularly engaging. These discussions were creatively captured in a live sketch, which served as a visual journey through the main topics and sparked great conversation among delegates.

Attendee feedback reflected appreciation for the detailed insights into emerging regulatory trends and potential compliance strategies, which mean they can proactively adjust their business plans. Participants also gave high marks for the direct access to technology providers and innovators and valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, regulators and peers.

The Maritime Decarbonisation Conference is a global series of events. The next event is the Maritime Decarbonization Conference, Americas 2024 and it will take place 4-5 December in Houston. For more information please email tom.kenny@rivieramm.com