In a recent video, IMO talks about the potential of future marine fuels to decarbonize shipping, and highlights the need for wide collaboration to achieve a greener maritime transportation.
According to the IMO, the decarbonization of shipping requires a massive shift to additional energy saving measures, as well as renewable energy sources, such as direct wind propulsion or better hull foulings.
What is more, fundamental to modernization of ship design is the scaling up of the use of alternative low and zero carbon fuels, and this is where solar and wind farms come into play.
There are opportunities for countries with access to abundant renewable energy sources to tap into new markets. Renewable energy can be used to create new low carbon fuels such as green hydrogen and green ammonia which are low in emissions
Renewable energy can also provide plug-in power on shore so that cruise ships have zero emissions, while new electric or hybrid technologies allow ships to charge their batteries avoiding fossil fuels.
The moves to decarbonization and shipping give huge opportunities to developing countries:
- Morocco: Situated in one of the world’s most favorable regions for solar and wind electricity generation, and with several important ports on busy shipping routes, it has put in place policies enabling the creation of a large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
- Chile: The South American country has the potential to contribute to considerable energy production and the capacity to serve Asia with alternative fuels.
IMO is further developing its regulatory framework to promote the global availability affordability and uptake of alternative marine fuels taking into account developing countries specific needs.
Decarbonizing the shipping sector demands international cooperation between countries via IMO and bilaterally with renewable energy producers
IMO concluded.
