Alternative fuels are gaining traction in the maritime industry, with significant initiatives and projects emerging globally. This week’s highlights include advancements in shore power, green ammonia, and dual-fuel technologies.
Shore Power Implementation in EU Ports
The FuelEU Maritime regulation mandates that from 2030, passenger and container ships must connect to shore power when docked for over two hours in European ports within the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). While some ports, such as Hamburg and Bergen, have made progress, the overall availability of shore power remains low. Currently, only 118 shore power facilities are operational worldwide, with 107 in the EU and just 15 within the TEN-T network, indicating a significant shortfall in meeting future demands.
Green Ammonia Initiatives
Australia and India are making strides in green ammonia production. Hexagon Energy Materials and Oceania Marine Energy plan to establish an ammonia bunkering facility in Pilbara, Western Australia. Additionally, Yara Clean Ammonia has agreed to procure up to 1 million mt/year of green ammonia from India’s AM Green, with plans to supply various sectors, including shipping, from 2027. These developments highlight green ammonia’s growing role in the future of maritime fuels.
Advancements in Dual-Fuel Technology
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched a dual-fuel tugboat capable of operating on methanol and conventional fuels, while Japan’s NS United Kaiun Kaisha has ordered a dual-fuel methanol-capable bulk carrier set for delivery by 2027. Bunker Holding and SyntexNRG aim to produce and supply green methanol by early 2027.
Furthermore, NYK Line is exploring the design of a biogas-powered cargo ship equipped with an onboard biomass fuel plant, targeting deployment by 2029. These innovations demonstrate a commitment to diversifying fuel sources and reducing carbon emissions in shipping. These measures significantly improve vessel safety and reliability.
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Source: ENGINE
