Hydrogen, ammonia and methanol – which are already being trialled on several vessels – were identified as strong alternative fuel candidates by experts from around the globe at an online symposium held by the International Maritime Organization last week. Wind-propulsion was also highlighted.
But while various low- and zero-carbon marine fuels would allow shipping to meet its emissions targets, more work was needed to address availability, safety and other issues, they said.
“To reach a low- and zero-carbon future for shipping, we will need new technologies, new fuels and innovation,” IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim said in his opening remarks. “Exciting research and development into low- and zero-carbon marine fuels is already under way.
“IMO wants to further accelerate such initiatives by providing the global forum for sharing knowledge, to promote R&D, and to build partnerships between stakeholders, among public and private sectors, not only in the shipping industry and ports but also private and development banks and academia at international, national and local levels,” Lim said.
Safety concerns around the use, bunkering and storage of emerging fuels, given the varying characteristics of each individual fuel, was high on the agenda. Multiple speakers highlighted the need for an intensified effort to further develop the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), in order to keep pace with new fuels making their way onto the market.
Crew training on safe handling of alternative fuels was also emphasised, as individual fuels have different requirements for temperature, viscosity, onboard storage and engine operations.
