Bulk carrier operators need specialist retrofit partners to break decarbonisation deadlock

Speaking at Riviera’s International Bulk Shipping Conference, GLO Marine technical and green transition manager Maciej Jóźwiak warned between 50-60% of the global fleet requires green retrofits or energy efficiency improvements, including at least 5,000 bulk carriers.

"Without specialist partners to bridge the gap between shipowners and available technology, we risk missing crucial decarbonisation targets," Mr Jóźwiak told the conference.

The retrofit specialist identified four key barriers hampering progress: insufficient internal R&D resources among small and medium operators, limited access to end-to-end project partners, a technology availability gap, and a lack of incentives for pilot projects.

"Waiting for perfect solutions is not a viable strategy," Mr Jóźwiak emphasised. "This delay in adoption of green technology could lead to serious bottlenecks in meeting environmental targets and potentially threaten the survival of original equipment manufacturers."

GLO Marine, founded in 2016, has positioned itself as a "decarbonisation retrofit specialist" – a new category of service provider offering technical expertise alongside economic analysis.

Mr Jóźwiak suggested hybrid solutions combining multiple technologies could improve vessels’ competitive position by 20% in future markets, but stressed technical feasibility must underpin economic decisions.

"A technical showstopper invalidates any economic calculations," he noted. "The relationship between ship and organisation must evolve into a true partnership."

The presentation highlighted how individualised solutions are required for each vessel, depending on operating area and available space – a challenge that demands deep technical knowledge alongside strategic planning capabilities.

Warning of serious consequences from delayed decision-making, Mr Jóźwiak urged shipowners to develop comprehensive mid to long-term strategies rather than waiting for perfect solutions to emerge.

"The industry needs partners who can deliver end-to-end solutions, combining engineering expertise with data analysis and holistic project management," he concluded.