Sailing to Net-Zero: The Decarbonization Mandate and the Green Fuels Race in Shipping
The global maritime industry is under immense pressure to meet ambitious climate targets, spearheaded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s strategy to reach net-zero emissions by or around 2050. This mandate has triggered the most significant technological and financial upheaval the sector has ever faced. This article explores the core challenge—the decarbonization dilemma—focusing on the complex regulatory landscape (CII, ETS) and the intense, multi-fuel race to find viable, scalable, and safe "green fuels." We analyze the leading contenders—ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen—highlighting their pros, cons, and the colossal infrastructure investment required to power the future of global shipping.