Navigating the Green Fuel Supply Challenge in the Global Shipping Industry
Key Ideas
  • The global shipping industry is facing a challenge as green fuel supplies lag behind the expansion of vessels capable of burning low carbon fuels.
  • Interest in methanol-fuelled vessels is rising to cut carbon emissions, with 251 new-build methanol-fuelled vessels either in the water or on order.
  • Technology for using low carbon fuels like methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen is available, but the key challenge lies in the low availability of green fuels.
  • Efforts are underway to raise methanol supply capacity to potentially 24 million tonnes by 2028, supporting the shift towards low carbon shipping fuels.
The global shipping industry is experiencing a dilemma as the demand for green fuels outpaces the supply needed for vessels capable of using low carbon alternatives. A surge in interest towards methanol-fuelled vessels is observed to reduce carbon emissions, with a significant number of new-build vessels already in the pipeline. While technology exists for utilizing fuels like methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, the main hurdle is the scarce availability of these green fuels. Plans are in place to enhance methanol supply capacity significantly by 2028, aiming to meet the requirements of a greener shipping sector. The industry is also moving towards retrofit projects for existing vessels and incorporating low carbon fuel capabilities in new builds, aligning with international regulations pushing for net zero emissions by 2050. Financial incentives and emissions penalties are identified as vital drivers for scaling up production and reducing costs of green fuels. Methanol and ammonia are seen as more practical alternatives compared to hydrogen, given their storage requirements. The industry is also witnessing a shift towards dual-fuel engines that can combust both traditional bunker fuel and methanol, with major orders being announced, particularly in China. With the implementation of emissions cap-and-trade quotas in the EU, the industry is expected to see a shift towards greener shipping fuels, leveling the playing field by 2035.
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