Fuel Pathway Map 2024: Advancing Maritime Decarbonization

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  • Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center Updates Fuel Pathway Maturity Map
  • New Insights into Sustainable Maritime Fuels Released
  • Interactive Tool Highlights Decarbonization Progress in Shipping

The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping has published an updated version of its Fuel Pathway Maturity Map. This interactive tool offers detailed assessments of advancements and challenges in sustainable fuel pathways and provides critical insights for both the shipping and financial sectors. It looks at alternative fuels that will likely lead the decarbonization process of the maritime industry in 2050, reports Zero Carbon Shipping.

Progress Since 2022

The update highlights notable achievements in sustainable fuel development over the past two years. Despite ongoing challenges, the maritime industry is seeing significant momentum in advancing green fuel options across the value chain.“This update counters the prevailing narrative that maritime decarbonization is at a halt. The progress captured in the Fuel Pathway Maturity Map demonstrates that the technical side of the industry is on the right path,” said Christoffer Lythcke-Elberling, Head of Transition Modeling & Analytics.

Understanding the Fuel Pathway Maturity Map

The Fuel Pathway Maturity Map serves as a dynamic, regularly updated guide to evaluate the readiness of various alternative fuel pathways. It covers the full value chain, from production to onboard use, for low-emission fuels like:

  1. Green ammonia
  2. Bio-methane
  3. E-methanol
  4. Renewable diesels

Key Developments (2022–2024)

Ammonia: Advances in onboard energy storage and fuel conversion technology have advanced green ammonia to a reality for shipping.

Methanol: The widespread usage of dual-fuel vessels has pushed the pace in logistics, bunkering infrastructure improvements, and bio-methanol production from bio-methane.

Bio-methane: Production techniques based on biogas matured significantly, and big plants are already operational.

Bio-oils: Pyrolysis oil production has improved, but it still needs further development to become commercially viable for maritime use.

Renewable Diesel: New pathways, including e-diesel and bio-diesel, have emerged as promising sustainable fuel options.

Driving the Green Transition Forward

Despite technological progress, achieving full decarbonization in maritime shipping requires more than just innovation. Key challenges include establishing certification standards, implementing robust emission controls, and ensuring global regulatory alignment. “With the technological advancements outlining the path forward, regulators have a crucial opportunity to take bold steps. The tools and knowledge are in place for regulatory frameworks that will accelerate the transition—now is the time to act,” said Torben Nørgaard, Chief Technology Officer – Energy & Fuels.

A Critical Resource for Stakeholders

The updated Fuel Pathway Maturity Map is now live, offering an invaluable resource to shipowners, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders navigating the complexities of maritime decarbonization and driving the transition to sustainable shipping.

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Source: Zero Carbon Shipping