In Denmark, the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is unveiling an updated version of its Fuel Pathway Maturity Map, providing the shipping and financial sectors with a comprehensive overview of the advancements and challenges in sustainable fuel pathways. This intuitive tool provides an overview of key alternative fuels that are expected to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the maritime industry by 2050. The update highlights the progress made since 2022. There is tangible momentum in developing viable fuel options across the value chain – even when the green transition for shipping faces significant hurdles.
The past two years have seen significant advances, driven by increased investment in dual-fuel vessels and pilot projects across the fuel landscape. Notable progress includes:
Ammonia: Pilot projects have advanced onboard energy storage and fuel conversion technology, bringing ammonia closer to maritime readiness.
Methanol: Rapid growth in the dual-fuel methanol vessels coming into the market has driven advancements in global storage, logistics, bunkering infrastructure, and bio-methanol production using bio-methane as a feedstock.
Bio-methane: Biogas-based production technologies are maturing, with large-scale plants now operational.
Bio-oils: Pyrolysis oil production technology has improved, though further work is needed to achieve commercial viability for shipping.
Renewable Diesels (New Pathways): E-diesel and bio-diesel have been introduced as additional viable options, reflecting the expanding landscape of sustainable maritime fuels.
