As global shipping faces increasing regulatory pressure to decarbonise, attention is turning to a combination of transitional fuels and novel clean energy technologies. Among the most promising are water-emulsified fossil fuels like MSAR and BioMSAR, and the development of bladeless tidal power systems. These innovations offer both near-term and long-term pathways to reduce maritime emissions and could play a vital role in helping the industry meet its climate targets, reports Seatrade Maritime News.
LNG and Its Role as a Transitional Fuel
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) continues to dominate new ship orders, especially among operators looking for a compliance strategy that meets short- to mid-term emissions regulations. While LNG is still a fossil fuel, it emits less carbon dioxide than traditional marine fuels and offers a stepping stone to cleaner alternatives. In the future, vessels powered by LNG can potentially transition to using bio-LNG or synthetic e-LNG, both of which are cleaner and can be used with existing infrastructure. However, upcoming changes to international regulations could limit how long LNG will remain viable under sustainability frameworks, especially beyond 2030.
Optimising Efficiency with Existing Technologies
Alongside fuel-switching, many shipping companies are making gains through improved vessel efficiency. Advances in hull design, propeller optimisation, and engine tuning—combined with operational changes like slow steaming and deeper draft operation—are helping ships cut emissions significantly. Some estimates suggest that such measures alone can reduce emissions by over 50% on certain routes. These upgrades also offer quick returns on investment, making them an attractive first step for operators seeking immediate impact without overhauling their entire fuel systems.
MSAR and BioMSAR: Cleaner Combustion Through Emulsification
Multiphase Superfine Atomised Residue (MSAR) and its bio-based variant, BioMSAR, represent innovative approaches to reducing emissions from traditional marine fuels. These fuels are emulsions consisting of about 70% heavy hydrocarbons and 30% water, stabilized with special surfactants. This formulation allows for more efficient combustion, as the fuel droplets are atomised into ultra-fine particles that burn more completely. The result is a measurable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions—up to 9% in some two-stroke engines—and significant cuts in nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. Trials of MSAR are already underway on commercial vessels, with BioMSAR testing and production scheduled to ramp up in the near future.
Tidal Power as a Zero-Emission Option
Looking further ahead, tidal energy presents a compelling option for long-term zero-emission propulsion. A new generation of bladeless tidal turbines is being developed to harness the kinetic energy of predictable tidal currents. These turbines are modular and can be deployed in various configurations—on ships, offshore platforms, or seabeds—and are designed to be more efficient than traditional marine propellers. Capable of delivering up to 1 megawatt per unit, these systems can scale up to power entire ships or provide auxiliary energy for ports and coastal facilities. A demonstrator is currently being constructed to test the feasibility of this innovative technology.
A Dual Strategy for Decarbonisation
The shipping industry appears to be pursuing a dual strategy for decarbonisation: leveraging transitional solutions like MSAR, BioMSAR, and LNG to deliver short-term emissions reductions, while investing in breakthrough technologies such as tidal power for long-term transformation. This pragmatic approach balances the need for immediate compliance with the imperative to develop truly sustainable propulsion systems. As regulations continue to tighten and climate urgency grows, such a strategy could help shipping navigate the complex route toward a carbon-neutral future.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Seatrade Maritime News
