The Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub’s Zero Carbon Fuel Monitor (ZCFM) has published a report evaluating the maritime industry’s readiness to transition to alternative, low carbon fuels.
The “Ship readiness for zero carbon fuels” report focuses on ships’ readiness to handle alternative fuels such as ammonia, biofuels, hydrogen, liquefied methane, and methanol. It finds a steady rise in the number of vessels equipped to use these fuels, including 31 ammonia-capable vessels and over 400 “ammonia-ready” ships. Methanol-capable vessels number 315, with 500 more “ready,” while 78 hydrogen-capable vessels primarily operate in coastal regions.
The analysis also indicates a rise in commercial trials and applications, boosting the investment readiness levels (IRLs) within the ship supply chain stage. Community readiness levels (CRLs) are increasing, driven by growing awareness of the urgency to meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2030 interim target of achieving 5% of vessels running on low-to-zero carbon fuels.
Key priority areas to increase readiness
According to the report, the priorities outlined below will contribute to increasing ship readiness to adopt zero (or near zero) carbon fuels:
#1 Future fuel supply and infrastructure
A key factor in vessel investment decisions is confidence in the future supply of fuel. To reduce uncertainties and accelerate investment decisions at the “ship” stage, stakeholders across the entire value chain must work together to create supply chains for future zero (or near zero) carbon fuel uptake.
#2 Safety considerations
Hazards introduced by adopting zero (or near zero) carbon fuels need to be fully understood, and risk mitigations identified (e.g., through various risk assessment methodologies such as Quantitative Risk Analysis). New crew safety regimes are needed, the training sector must gear up to deliver, and operators must adopt new ways of working.
#3 Technology trials
Technology development, trials, and scale-up need to continue at pace. Evidence from technology trials will reduce operational uncertainties, further supporting advancements in investment and community readiness.
#4 Policy and regulation development and application
The regulatory landscape poses significant challenges for operating ships powered by ammonia and hydrogen, while methane emissions are not yet measured and regulated. It is crucial for policy to be stable and consistent across the value chain, and on a global scale.
With ongoing advancements in fuel handling, storage, and propulsion capabilities, the maritime sector is taking important steps toward the widespread adoption of zero-carbon fuels. While challenges remain, Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub is committed to supporting the maritime industry’s safe and sustainable adoption of zero and near-zero carbon fuels.
… said Amelia Hipwell, Decarbonisation Innovation Manager in the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub
