The P4G Getting to Zero Coalition Partnership on Wednesday (15 September) said Mexico is a well-placed country to build a valuable zero carbon shipping fuels sector, as it has an abundance of renewable energy potential along with direct access to busy shipping routes, according to a study headed by Ricardo Research. 

The production of green hydrogen-derived shipping fuels could help Mexico meet its decarbonisation targets by catalysing renewable energy generation supply chains, skills, and economies of scale, which support the wider adoption of new technologies, it states.

Well-placed countries like Mexico will only reap the benefits if governments and the shipping industry coordinate efforts for effective climate regulation to expedite the provision of fuels and infrastructure.

The study explores the economic and environmental potential for the implementation of zero carbon shipping fuels through the shipping sector of Mexico.

“Our study has found that Mexico’s access to busy shipping routes and abundant renewable energy potential puts it in a good position to help drive the zero carbon fuel market. Mexico can potentially supply both its domestic electrical demand as well as the production of zero carbon fuels to supply commercial vessels bunkering in its ports by use of renewable energy,” says Olivia Carpenter-Lomax, Future Energy Specialist and Project Head Ricardo.

The maritime shipping sector is on the threshold of a transition to zero emissions. Within the next decade, the shipping industry will start to replace traditional heavy bunker fuel with new zero carbon shipping fuels generated from renewable energy to meet its decarbonisation targets.

“The shift towards zero carbon shipping needs to accelerate within the next decade and effective regulation will also create opportunities for countries to catalyze and benefit from this necessary transition. By moving early, Mexico can become a central actor in supplying the global demand for green fuel and attract investment of 7-9 billion USD by 2030,” comments Panos Spiliotis, Global Climate Shipping Manager, Environmental Defense Fund.

“The study emphasizes the potential that Mexico has in the production of zero carbon shipping fuel. Shipping’s future demand for zero carbon fuels will allow for increasing export and can provide a constant long-term revenue stream, which is an attractive feature for investment and can help Mexico reach its emission targets as well as create new green jobs,” says Alfredo Gonzalez, Head of the 2030 Agenda at the Economy Secretariat.

The report finds that the geographical location, economic status and strong trading relations put Mexico in a favorable position to help drive the zero carbon fuel market and supply a growing global demand.

“Mexico’s access to busy trading routes has made it a major trading hub. This makes Mexico an advantageous location to establish a zero carbon shipping sector, as the many international vessels bunkering in Mexican ports need to be able to refuel along their journey,” states Ingrid Sidenvall Jegou, Project Director, Global Maritime Forum.

The abundance of renewable energy resources in Mexico means that shipping fuels can be derived from renewable electricity generation. The study reveals that several zero carbon fuels have the potential to be used to decarbonize maritime shipping.

“The study has identified hydrogen and ammonia as the most suitable options for large commercial vessels such as tankers, containers and bulk carriers, while small vessels such as port service vessels can be supplied through electrification. The renewable energy potential along with the advantageous locations of ports gives Mexico the opportunity to play a crucial role in driving the zero carbon shipping fuel transition,” says Dr. Santiago Suarez De La Fuente, Lecturer in Energy and Transport, UCL Energy Institute.

“From the study it becomes evident that Mexico may benefit in various ways from carrying a zero carbon shipping fuels sector. Apart from ensuring that the country reaches its wider decarbonization goals, locally deployed renewables can also create energy security and help catalyze the low carbon economy in Mexico by supporting decarbonisation of other sectors, creating a wide range of jobs,” states Pedro Gomez, Head of Shaping the Future of Mobility, Member of the Executive Committee, The World Economic Forum.

For shipping to address its climate problem, it is crucial that governments and the global shipping sector coordinate efforts to ensure the availability of green fuels and infrastructure, and standards should be to encourage the zero-emission transition of both vessels and ports. 

International vessels adopting zero carbon fuel bunkering must have the opportunity to refuel along their journey. By moving early, Mexico can set the trend for electro fuel adoption and position itself as an important hub along global zero carbon shipping routes.

“With the recent IPCC report, it is evident that urgent action is needed to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. The growing demand for zero emission shipping solutions provides opportunities for shipping nations like Mexico to take a leadership role in catalyzing change that can be replicated by countries. 

“The transition to zero emission shipping fuels is not only critical for the shipping industry but will also have decarbonization effects across other sectors including food loss and waste and green hydrogen. These are the kinds of cross-sectoral solutions P4G champions and that are needed to reach a net zero future for all,” comments Ian de Cruz, Global Director, P4G.

The report highlights the Ports of Manzanillo, Cozumel and Coatzacoalcos as great examples of how different types of ports in Mexico could capitalize on a zero carbon transition. Apart from meeting decarbonisation targets, the transition would diversify current port activities and create a hub for the production and export of zero carbon fuels.

This study is part of the P4G Getting to Zero Coalition Partnership, spotlighting the potential of regional hubs to pioneer zero-carbon shipping fuel development in Mexico, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Photo credit: Jorge Aguilar from Unsplash
Published: 16 September, 2021