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.
Topic: Technology
The cost of capital challenge in delivering a just and equitable transition for shipping
To examine the financial barriers to a just and equitable transition to zero-emission fuels in the shipping sector, this report focuses on the cost of capital as a critical determinant of project feasibility. It compares the levelised costs and investment risks of green ammonia (e-ammonia) production across regions, including both developed and developing countries, to illustrate how disparities in capital access affect global competitiveness. Furthermore, it explores policy instruments—such as grants and concessional finance—that can mitigate investment challenges in low-income countries, thereby supporting the IMO’s objective of a fair transition while enabling the widespread adoption of renewable marine fuels.
Economic benefits of building zero-emission capable vessels in East Asia
To evaluate the economic opportunities for shipbuilding countries – China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan – through the construction of zero-emission capable vessels (ZECVs).
To explore the potential revenues generated by replacing conventional ships with ZECVs and highlight the role of first-mover advantages in the shipbuilding market.
Availability of E-fuels and E-fuel-capable Vessels from 2027–2030
To assess the market readiness of e-fuels and e-fuel-capable vessels for commercial deployment in the maritime sector between 2027 and 2030. The report seeks to provide insights into the production capacity of e-fuels, the readiness of vessels to use these fuels, and the alignment of these elements to support ZEMBA’s next tender process. The study also aims to identify challenges such as financial barriers and deployment mismatches, offering strategies to accelerate zero-emission technology adoption in shipping.
Preparing Tanker Vessels for Conversion to Green Fuels
To analyse the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of converting tanker vessels to green fuels such as methanol and ammonia. This report aims to assess the readiness level and costs of fuel transition, providing insights to propose optimal design and operational strategies that align with sustainable shipping practices and regulatory requirements.
Maritime Forecast to 2050
To emphasize the necessity of improving energy efficiency and establishing fuel transition strategies to achieve the decarbonization targets of IMO. This report explores methods to maintain the competitiveness of international shipping by 2030, focusing on fuel reduction, digitalization, and carbon capture technologies. Additionally, it examines strategies for expanding related infrastructure and addressing cost increases, providing insights into strategic responses to these challenges.
Carbon Accounting for Sustainable Biofuels
To examine the challenges related to the carbon intensity of biofuels and emphasize the importance of transparent and science-based carbon accounting for sustainable biofuels. This report seeks to identify the factors contributing to the variability of lifecycle GHG emissions, particularly land use changes, and provides insights into regulatory frameworks across different regions. The goal is to propose pragmatic and performance-based policies that foster continuous improvement and attract necessary investments, thus ensuring the large-scale deployment of biofuels aligns with climate goals.
Onboard Carbon Capture – An overview of technologies to capture CO2 on board ships
To emphasize the necessity of applying onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) technology based on international maritime decarbonization regulatory trends, the current status of technology development, regional policy trends, and commercialization improvement challenges are introduced. In particular, the practical issues that need to be addressed and the corresponding level of technology required for the application of OCCS technology on ships are demonstrated through case studies.
Oceans of Opportunity
To explain the impact of green methanol and ammonia and propose the implementation of zero-emission fuel bunkering at ports by 2030
Exploring the technical feasibility of carbon capture onboard ships
To assess the technical feasibility of implementing carbon capture systems on ships to help reduce CO2 emissions, particularly concentrating on both retrofit and newbuild vessels.