Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO, highlighted the future of marine fuels in the shipping industry, stating that in order to achieve the 2050 goals the industry needs better and improved technology.
Speaking during the 15th annual World Shipping Summit, Mr Wiernicki suggested that the future might see not only one compliant fuel but a variety of options tailored to each market sector. Yet, to achieve the environmental goals upgraded technology will play a key role.
Technology advances of the next decade may entirely change our view of the future, but based on what we see today we can identify three developmental pathways for future fuels distinguished by the onboard technologies they require.
… Mr Wiernicki commented.
He further added that the three pathways are:
- the LNG or light gas pathway;
- the bio/synthetic pathway and the alcohol;
- heavy gas pathway.
Moreover, for the selection of the ideal fuel, the interested parties should focus on the operational profile and trade of the vessel; Thus, the development of the new vessels’ designs should incorporate all these aspects to be fit for purpose.
The reduction targets by 2030 are challenging but technology can help the industry focus on alternative fuels, as LNG, speed optimization, and more efficient utilization of the voyage. However, if the industry aspires to reach 2050 goals, much of the new capacity going into 2030 is going to have to be zero carbon.
Mr Wiernicki highlighted that achieving the targets is a collaborative effort, which is similar to what Mr Kitack Lim, IMO’s Secretary General highlighted a while ago.