Shipping’s best fuel for decarbonisation: collaboration

The multi-fuel future

Decarbonisation strategies will not be one-size-fits-all in the multi-fuel future that lays ahead for the industry. “LNG, methanol, biofuels, and ammonia are the front runners among the fuel options available for today,” says Mr DSouza. “In the long term, our research suggests that beyond LNG, ammonia, biodiesel, liquid biogas and electro-fuels are promising carbon-neutral options in the deep-sea sector; and battery-hybrid, fuel cell, and hydrogen solutions are leading options for the short-sea and coastal shipping segments.”

To construct a decarbonisation stairway, Mr DSouza says shipowners need to consider several factors before taking their first step. “Understanding the options is important when it comes to future fuel choice. That includes not just the level of maturity and availability of the fuels, but also how well suited they are for your unique operating profile,” he says.

“By increasing flexibility, the pressure to find the perfect fuel lessens”

Different ship types, different trade routes, and other factors lead to different alternative fuel solutions. Emerging technologies, like multi-fuel tank systems, provide near-term flexibility by enabling vessels to store and consume several different fuel types. Mr DSouza sees these technologies as a considerable breakthrough in the decision-making landscape for shipowners and operators. “Applying these technologies enables decision-makers to take tangible steps now to reduce emissions without committing to a single fuel. By increasing flexibility, the pressure to find the "perfect fuel" lessens, and stakeholders can proceed more mindfully,” he points out.

Going further together

Although decarbonising shipping cannot be solved by one organisation on its own, if there is any hope of meeting the 2050 emissions target, taking tangible action now is absolutely necessary. It’s an all-hands-on-deck effort that will take a partnership of stakeholders from across the industry.

“Decarbonisation is being pursued by the world at large,” says Mr DSouza. “For the shipping industry to fulfil its part, collaboration is needed up and down the value chain. Whether you are a fuel producer, engine manufacturer, shipyard, financer, or regulator, we all have a role to play, and with everyone at the table, we can create enough momentum to be successful.”

Collaboration is part of DNV’s DNA; it is a member of numerous international coalitions and partnerships focused on decarbonisation. This includes being a founding member of the Maritime Technologies Forum, comprised of class societies and flag states seeking to spur decarbonisation by bridging the gap between technology expertise and regulatory process. The class society has also assumed leadership positions in regional efforts to reduce emissions, including the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation in Singapore, North America’s Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Washington State’s Washington Maritime Blue, and the Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate in British Columbia, Canada. “We firmly believe that together we achieve more,” says Mr DSouza. “Decarbonisation is a shared responsibility, and in the maritime industry, we can accelerate the transition by co-operatively sharing knowledge, technologies, and experience. Each of us doesn’t need all the answers when we progress together towards the goal through innovation and collaboration. Together we can make the seemingly impossible possible.”