29OCT2019 - NEWS - Maersk, Lloyds Register promote ethanol, biomethane as net zero fuels for shipping

A new study carried out by shipping line A. P. Moller – Maersk and classification society Lloyds Register has confirmed that the best way to decarbonise shipping is to find new sustainable energy sources.

Based on market projections, the best positioned fuels for research and development into net zero fuels for shipping are alcohol (ethanol and methanol), biomethane and ammonia. Reaching net zero, however, requires a fundamental shift in the way that deep sea vessels are propelled, and the industry must introduce carbon neutral propulsion fuels and new technologies.

“The main challenge is not at sea but on land,” said Søren Toft, COO of Maersk. “Technology changes inside the vessels are minor when compared to the massive innovative solutions and fuel transformation that must be found to produce and distribute sustainable energy sources on a global scale. We need to have a commercially viable carbon neutral vessel in service 11 years from now.”

The three fuel pathways – alcohol, biomethane and ammonia – have similar cost projections, according to the study, but have different challenges and opportunities.