Advancements in Maritime Decarbonization: 10 Game-Changing Milestones of 2024
Key Ideas
  • MAN ES and Mitsui E&S achieve successful hydrogen combustion on a large marine engine, reducing GHG emissions by up to 95%.
  • X-Press Feeders launches the world's first methanol dual-fuel retrofit and Europe's first green methanol-powered feeder network.
  • NYK debuts the world's first commercial ammonia-fueled ship with the conversion of the tugboat Sakigake.
  • Multiple industry-firsts, such as ABS's advisory on methanol bunkering and GCMD-led consortium's STS ammonia transfer, mark significant progress in decarbonization efforts.
Throughout 2024, the maritime industry witnessed groundbreaking advancements in alternative fuel solutions and technologies aimed at decarbonization. The year started with MAN ES and Mitsui E&S achieving a world-first by successfully conducting a hydrogen combustion test on a large marine 2-stroke engine, showcasing significant greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 95%. Following this milestone, ABS published an advisory on methanol bunkering, addressing crucial technical and operational challenges. In June, X-Press Feeders celebrated the retrofit of the first methanol dual-fuel boxship and launched Europe's maiden green methanol-powered feeder network. Further showcasing the industry's commitment to decarbonization, NYK introduced the world's first ammonia-fueled ship for commercial use, while the GCMD-led consortium performed a groundbreaking ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia at anchorages, signaling progress in utilizing alternative fuels. Additionally, Amogy's ammonia-powered vessel and HD Hyundai's zero-carbon ammonia dual-fuel engine demonstrated the industry's dedication to innovative solutions. Maersk made headlines in November with the conversion of Maersk Halifax into a methanol dual-fuel vessel, further solidifying the industry's shift towards cleaner fuels. The year concluded with MAN ES initiating full-scale ammonia engine testing, highlighting a new phase in the development of ammonia-powered engines. Similarly, WinGD's successful full-load test of the X-DF-M methanol-fueled engine showcased the feasibility and progress of methanol as a viable maritime fuel. These milestones collectively depict a positive outlook on the industry's efforts towards sustainable and decarbonized maritime operations.
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