Shipping companies are still waiting for “real green” fuel solutions as part of decarbonization efforts to clean up the industry, Haralambos Fafalios, chairman of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC) said.
According to Mr. Fafalios, shipping is “still awaiting engine and shipbuilders to come up with real green solutions.”
We need a simple incentive such as a fuel levy as a medium term measure until safe alternative fuels become available in the long term
Lately, maritime has been testing several cleaner fuel options including ammonia and methanol as well as trialing wind sails to look for new solutions away from dirtier bunker fuel.
Mr. Fafalios also added that many companies, whether in shipping or commodity traders, “are touting the strengths of their favorite fuels, but none so far have a real green footprint on a well-to-wake basis”.
He noted however that:
None of these alternative green, zero or low carbon fuels yet have a global bunkering or cost infrastructure to support the world fleet
Regarding ammonia, the GSCC chairman explained that at present it is “a very dangerous fuel, and not enough safety measures have been put into place to make it a realistic option.”
