To provide an updated global emissions inventory for 2016–2023 using advanced methodologies to support the IMO’s strategy of achieving net-zero GHG emissions in international shipping by 2050, with interim targets for 2030 and 2040, and to evaluate emission trends including the growing impact of methane from LNG-fueled ships and black carbon to inform future decarbonization policies and strategies.
Topic: Alternative fuels
DUAL-FUEL SOLUTIONS FOR NEWBUILD VESSELS
To provide technical and operational guidance on dual-fuel (DF) propulsion systems for newbuild vessels, this report focuses on LNG, methanol, and ammonia as alternative marine fuels amid tightening regulations such as IMO emission targets and EU maritime policies. It analyzes key design, safety, operational, regulatory, and economic factors associated with these fuels, evaluating their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while addressing challenges in fuel infrastructure, handling safety, and compliance. The goal is to help shipowners and stakeholders choose DF solutions that are sustainable, safe, and economically viable in the transition to a low-carbon maritime industry.
SAFE INTRODUCTION OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS (Focus on ammonia and hydrogen as ship fuels)
To support the safe and effective introduction of ammonia and hydrogen as alternative marine fuels by outlining approval processes, safety challenges, and regulatory gaps, and by guiding shipowners, designers, and operators in navigating the current immature regulatory landscape. The report emphasizes the importance of early stakeholder collaboration, risk-based approval, seafarer training, and the development of robust safety systems to enable the maritime industry’s transition toward decarbonization by 2050.
How the IMO’s mid-term measures might shape shipping’s energy choices and transition to e-fuels
To examine how the IMO’s mid-term measures will influence shipping’s transition to e-fuels and decarbonization.
To evaluate different policy scenarios, including fuel standards, levies, and financial incentives, to determine their effectiveness in promoting low-emission fuel adoption.
Regulatory trends and impact: Second Edition
To provide the explanation of the latest adopted and anticipated IMO regulations, offering insights into their impact on the maritime sector.
To highlight key regulatory changes at regional and national levels, emphasizing their potential implications for industry stakeholders.
Safe Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage
To provide a high-level analysis of current and emerging regulatory frameworks related to onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS), offering insights into the key factors influencing their safe adoption in the maritime sector.
To highlight critical safety, economic, and technological considerations for implementing OCCS, emphasizing their potential implications and requirements for maritime industry stakeholders, including policymakers, technology providers, shipping companies, and port authorities.
Linking the employment of alternative marine fuels to a carbon price for shipping
To study the feasibility of hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels, this research analyses their costs and benefits. While both fuels offer long-term decarbonization potential, adoption faces challenges due to high capital investments and operational costs. Green hydrogen is the most expensive, followed by green ammonia, blue hydrogen, and blue ammonia, though green alternatives have minimal emissions costs. This highlights the need for Market-Based Measures (MBMs) to support their implementation.
Biofuels in shipping (2025 Ver.)
To investigate the role of bio-marine fuels in the ongoing decarbonization transition of international shipping, this report examines key challenges such as technological advancements, feedstock scarcity, and supply infrastructure improvements. Global regulatory frameworks, including IMO measures, FuelEU Maritime, and the EU ETS, along with shippers’ Scope 3 emission reduction demands, are driving the commercialization of bio-marine fuels.
Synthetic fuels for shipping
To explores the potential of synthetic fuels, specifically e-methanol, e-methane, and e-diesel, as viable alternatives for shipping decarbonization.
To evaluates their production technologies, sustainability, availability, economic feasibility, and regulatory challenges.
Shipping: Fuelling deforestation – Why the IMO’s Global Fuel Standard risks incentivising the worst biofuels
To examine the risks posed by the IMO’s Global Fuel Standard (GFS) in promoting unsustainable biofuels, this report analyzes the potential unintended consequences of incentivizing high-emission biofuels in the absence of clear sustainability criteria. It explores the projected rise in biofuel demand within the international shipping sector under GFS, assesses the greenhouse gas impacts of increased biodiesel use, and highlights the potential for adverse climate and environmental outcomes. The report aims to provide policy recommendations that ensure the GFS supports genuinely sustainable decarbonization pathways and avoids triggering deforestation and other land-use emissions.