The Zero-Emission Shipping Mission Provides the Knowledge Sharing, Studies, and Direction to Steer the Maritime Industry Towards Sustainability

The maritime industry remains one of the last modes of transportation to fully embrace 21st-century sustainability practices. For over 50 years, the industry has relied on energy-dense Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to transport 90% of global trade. However, with increasing scrutiny on transportation emissions, particularly from hard-to-abate sectors, the industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are under the spotlight.

While cars are moving towards electrification and planes are exploring bio-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the maritime sector faces distinct challenges. Batteries cannot support trans-oceanic journeys, and bio-based fuels lack the resources to fully sustain the industry. Therefore, deep-sea vessels will need to look to alternative fuels like methanol and ammonia to decarbonize.

Decarbonizing the maritime industry is complex. Each new fuel option brings unique challenges related to port infrastructure, sourcing, bunkering, engine characteristics, vessel design, efficiency, crew safety, and spill mitigation. These are multi-billion-dollar investments that require dedicated research and assessment. The Zero-Emission Shipping Mission has been working to tackle these technology barriers, providing the industry with the knowledge needed to close gaps and encouraging value-chain actors to take steps toward decarbonization.

In July 2023, the International Maritime Organization updated its ambition, setting goals for net zero-emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. The Zero- Emission Shipping Mission supports these goals and has aligned and revised its objectives accordingly.

The Mission’s project portfolio addresses the various technological and logistical barriers and solutions that stand between the maritime industry and decarbonization, such as:

• Green Shipping Corridors Hub: Stakeholders interested in decarbonization can use this platform to track existing Green Corridor announcements and connect with like-minded partners.
• Green Ammonia Bulk Carrier Pilot: This project allows stakeholders to review findings on alternative fuels like ammonia for bulk carriers.
• Safety of Crew in Low and Zero-emission Ships: This initiative provides guidelines for the training and safety of crew members operating on low and zero-emission ships.
• Blueprint for Future Ports: A guide for port managers to navigate the regulations, processes, and development of port infrastructure for alternative fuels, such as methanol and ammonia.
• Process for Alternative Design Approvals: This project outlines the steps for shipbuilders developing ships utilizing alternative fuels.
• Oceans of Opportunity Report: Stakeholders can explore potential sources of green methanol and ammonia globally through this detailed report.
• Port Readiness Level Tool: This tool is currently under development and will provide a cohesive and standardized structure for ports to evaluate their current ability and forecast future capacity to provide alternative fuels to the industry.
• Biofuels as Pilot Fuels for 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Marine Engines: This ongoing project investigates the emission profile and efficiency of using biofuels as pilot fuels for marine engines burning methanol or ammonia.

The Zero-Emission Shipping Mission is committed to working with decision-makers and the marine industry to demonstrate the direction necessary to decarbonize the maritime industry today.

For further details, visit our website and stay tuned to our social media channel for updates on upcoming projects, studies, and collaborations.