Decarbonization News

In an open letter to the industry, ABS has set out a measured and data-driven approach to support the development of an effective global framework for maritime decarbonization.Titled, The ABS View: A Practical Path Forward on IMO Mid-Term Measures, it reflects broad alignment across the industry on the need for one international approach to emissions reduction, while recognizing that implementation will be shaped by real-world constraints across the global fleet.The thinking is based on the findings of a detailed ABS assessment of the key drivers influencing the industry’s transition.

A new consortium facilitated by the Global Maritime Forum and RMI will work to establish a green shipping corridor between the Port of Açu in Brazil and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.In addition to the port teams on both ends of the corridor, the consortium includes HIF Global, Fuella, NYK Line, Höegh Autoliners, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.The consortium will assess infrastructure, vessels, and business models to create a roadmap for transporting zero-carbon fuels produced in Açu, such as e-ammonia or e-methanol.

GIT Coatings officially launched XGIT-VORTEX™, its next-generation graphene-based propeller coating system, during Posidonia 2026 alongside Lloyd’s Register at the LR x GIT Coatings Client Type Approval Ceremony.XGIT-VORTEX™ is the next evolution of GIT Coatings’ propeller coating technology, designed to help shipowners move beyond propeller polishing as a periodic recovery measure and toward long-term performance retention. The system is engineered to address the main limitations of current approaches: fouling build-up between polishing events…

LPG, petrochemicals and speciality gas transportation company BW Epic Kosan (BWEK) has partnered with GIT Coatings to advance proactive hull management across selected vessels in its LPG fleet, with five LPG gas carriers coated to date (one more in dry dock) using GIT’s biocide-free graphene-based hull coating technology.The partnership follows strong results from BWEK’s adoption of GIT’s hard foul-release coating, proactive cleaning using onboard robotic cleaning technology and dedicated advisory support.

A new hybrid, 350-passenger vessel is now in operation at the Port of Los Angeles, the result of a Port-led partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Port of Long Beach.The Harbor Breeze Cruises’ El Escudo harbor craft features some of the newest emission-reduction technologies on the market. The El Escudo will be berthed at the Port of Los Angeles and serve the San Pedro Bay ports.The vessel features a parallel hybrid propulsion system, enabling operation in fully electric (zero-emission), diesel, or hybrid modes. It exceeds U.S.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonization, digitalization, innovation, and manpower development.The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary…

StormGeo and OceanScore have expanded their cooperation through a collaboration agreement aimed at supporting shipping companies in managing emissions compliance requirements.The cooperation combines StormGeo's operational vessel and emissions data capabilities with OceanScore's expertise in emissions compliance workflows covering the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), FuelEU Maritime and the upcoming UK ETS.The companies said the agreement is intended to help shipping companies manage emissions reporting…

Jotun, a leader in marine coatings, announced new speed loss verifications for selected hull performance products and solutions. Carried out by DNV based on ISO 19030 methodology and in-service operational data, the independent verifications add new documented speed loss results across Jotun's hull performance portfolio.The latest additions include speed loss data for SeaQuantum Pro U and the SeaQuantum Ill- and S-series, alongside the recently announced results for Hull Skating Solutions (HSS).

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and BAR Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on technical collaboration and commercial opportunities for the integration of WindWings wind-assisted propulsion systems.The agreement establishes a joint engineering approach at the vessel design stage, with the companies collaborating on integrating the WindWings control system with HHI’s vessel control systems and developing performance…

The latest installations of wind propulsion technology on large commercial vessels have pushed the global fleet of cargo ships capable of harnessing wind energy beyond the 100-vessel milestone, representing over five million tons of deadweight (DWT) cargo carrying capacity.The passing of this milestone marks a turning point in the uptake of wind propulsion in the commercial fleet. What was once widely viewed as a niche or historical form of ocean transport is now emerging as one…

Tema Mærsk, powered by its X82DF-M/E multi-fuel engine platform with methanol capability and inherent compatibility with ethanol, was delivered to A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk). The naming ceremony took place at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China, attended by WinGD’s Chief Executive Officer Dominik Schneiter and Vice President Market Development Benny Hilström.The Danish container giant ordered WinGD’s X-DF-M dual fuel engines for a series of six 9,000 TEU container vessels in March 2023.

A new report from the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub (The Decarb Hub) finds that early investment in a small number of strategically positioned hubs and export gateways could accelerate the availability and uptake of sustainable maritime fuels. The report, Building the sustainable maritime fuel supply chain, is the first in The Decarb Hub's “Maritime System in Transition” series. It sets out a global, evidence-based assessment of where alternative maritime fuels…

Aqua superPower and Tidal Transit have formed a strategic partnership to support the deployment of electric crew transfer vessels (E-CTVs) for ports and harbors serving offshore infrastructure, including offshore wind projects.Under the agreement, Tidal Transit will build and operate E-CTV vessels and manage offshore charging infrastructure installation, while Aqua superPower will design, build, operate and maintain shore-side charging systems at vessel origin ports.The collaboration aims to simplify deployment of electric vessel operations by combining vessel capability…

A consortium led by Stillstrom by Maersk has secured $5.8 million (€5 million) in funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe program to develop and test offshore charging infrastructure for vessels at anchor in Denmark.The three-year SPARK project will deploy a pilot Offshore Power Zone in Skagen, one of Northern Europe’s busiest anchorage hubs, targeting greenhouse gas emissions from ships running engines while stationary between operations.Stillstrom said the consortium includes Aalborg University…

The Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) launched the Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance (Alliance), a new international platform dedicated to advancing pure green hydrogen and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a deployable, scalable, and commercially viable zero-emission fuel for international maritime shipping.The Alliance launches as the transition moves from aspiration to deployment. At MEPC 84, the IMO’s Net Zero Framework emerged intact as the agreed basis for future negotiations…

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the shortlisted projects for Round 2 of the Hydrogen Headstart Program, marking a major step forward in scaling Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry. The projects selected to progress to the next stage in the application process are some of the most advanced large-scale renewable hydrogen proposals in the country, spanning multiple states and a range of end uses, including ammonia and alternative fuels.The Australian…

As European and international shipping emissions rules continue to expand, maritime technology companies Awake.Al and Tidalis have announced a partnership focused on emissions monitoring and reporting for ports and shipping companies. The collaboration links operational port-call data with existing maritime operational systems to support automated emissions reporting.Awake.Al's emissions monitoring software will be made available in combination with Tidalis' vessel traffic services and port management systems used by ports, coastguards and maritime authorities worldwide.

Anemoi Marine Technologies’ Rotor Sail wind-assisted propulsion system has completed more than eight years of continuous commercial operation after M/V Afros successfully passed its second intermediate dry dock survey.The survey, conducted by Lloyd’s Register in China in April, confirmed the structural integrity and operational condition of the vessel’s four Rotor Sails, Anemoi said.The 64,000-deadweight-tonne Ultramax bulk carrier Afros became the first bulk carrier fitted with Rotor Sails when the system was installed in 2018.According to Anemoi…

How Electrostatic Technology Moves from Experiment to Reality Shipyards face mounting pressure to align with the maritime industry’s decarbonization goals. As vessel owners and operators explore alternative fuels, better hull designs and route optimization to cut emissions, shipyards reevaluate their own practices to keep pace. One area of focus includes the coatings application. Among emerging innovations, electrostatic spraying is now gaining traction in global marine projects.Unlike traditional airless spraying…

Eni and MSC Cruises have completed a test of Enilive’s HVO biofuel in maritime transport, confirming the technical feasibility of using the renewable diesel in pure form to power cruise ship engines.The trial involved powering one of the engines on the cruise ship MSC Opera for about 2,000 hours using pure HVO without modifications to the engine, while performance and emissions data were monitored.The companies said the test demonstrated that HVO can be used immediately in marine engines validated for its use without requiring technological upgrades…

Berg Propulsion has secured a contract to supply propulsion systems and electrical integration technology for two all-electric harbor tugs being built under India’s Green Tug Transition Program.The vessels are under construction by Mumbai-based KMEW Group on behalf of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and are expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approval.The program aims to deploy 50 green tugs across India’s major ports…

A consortium led by the University of Vaasa has been awarded Horizon Europe funding for the H4PERION – Hydrogen FOR Performance Enhancement and Reliable Ice OperatioN – project which aims to demonstrate how a large vessel can operate with a hydrogen‑capable internal combustion engine.Long‑distance shipping remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Ships operating for weeks at a time need enormous amounts of energy and absolute reliability – requirements that today’s batteries…

Two months after the launch of the first vessel in this new series, Lucia Cosulich took to the water on May 2, 2026, marking another step forward in Fratelli Cosulich’s Marine Energy Unit commitment to alternative marine fuels and sustainable bunkering solutions.Held at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard (China), the ceremony brought together the project team, partners and stakeholders to witness the vessel’s transition from construction to reality.Ms. Lucia Cosulich served as the vessel’s Godmother.