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Shipping’s cleantech revolution needs more than just new bunker fuel, says maritime group

The maritime industry cannot miss a huge opportunity to save time and money by investing in and applying energy efficiency and renewable propulsion technologies.
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Open Letter

A group of maritime firms including  airseas, HOULDER, i-tech, NAPA, NORSEPOWER, A&P, Anemoi, Ardmore Shipping, Bibby Marine Limited, Bunker Trace, CAMMELL LAIRD, e1 Marine, MSE International SEA SPEED Marine Consulting, Smart Green Shipping, stratumfive, Uber Boat, WightLink on Tuesday (2 November) issued an open letter calling for the international shipping industry to recognise more than green bunker fuels are needed for shipping’s decarbonisation:

The maritime industry cannot miss a huge opportunity to save time and money by investing in and applying energy efficiency and renewable propulsion technologies for newbuilds and retrofits.

These technologies, which are fully commercially available, extend the lifespan of the existing fleet and reduce the environmental footprint of the sector.

It’s not a question of choosing one or the other all energy efficiency and renewable propulsion technologies can complement low and zero carbon fuels; we will need them to create the zero carbon ship of the future, and reduce costs in the short term and long term. Simply put, these technologies make fuel and money work harder.

The damage done by our carbon emissions is cumulative and won’t be reversed by future fuels. Shipping can no longer run the race to be second. 

All measures taken now to reduce emissions through clean technologies give owners more time to plan for decarbonisation, while saving emissions and money now.

Shipping has abundant, innovative and fully commercially-available clean technologies that can significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It’s time to use them alongside new fuels. 

The shipping industry, the invisible backbone of our economy, is tackling the climate emergency with a growing sense of urgency and optimism even as it struggles with the disruptions of a global pandemic. However, energy and optimism needs to translate into action.

Action now means embracing the full range of innovative tools that are here, commercially ready, and deployable. 

Currently, regulations are encouraging the industry to do two things; to derate engines so vessels are forced to slow down and save fuel, and to gradually switch to more sustainable fuels, such as green hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, or biofuels. 

We commend the investments in this area, from fuel suppliers, shipowners and charterers alike, all of whom share the vision of a low-carbon future. However, given the scale and urgency of the climate emergency, we need to use all the tools available to us.

While important and impactful, focusing only on a narrow set of measures results in the shipping sector missing the opportunity to make big improvements NOW. We already have a huge range of energy efficiency and renewable propulsion technologies that both complement future fuels, and reduce carbon emissions. 

We already have a huge range of clean technologies delivering: wind propulsion, air lubrication, battery energy storage, hull coating technology, hydrodynamic energy saving devices, and voyage optimisation software, to name a few. 

The best part is, these technologies complement each other, and alternative fuels. Each vessel has its own combination of technologies that can drastically reduce its carbon footprint. These must combine with solutions for smarter operations and optimised voyages, that break down the misaligned incentives that can lead to ships sailing at speed only to wait in port. 

The shipping industry needs both efficiency technologies and future fuels. Neither provides the silver bullet for the existing fleet or the vessels of the future. Future fuels will be less energy-dense than current fuels, so ships will need more fuel to meet the same performance goals. 

Efficiency technologies can bridge this gap; making every drop of new fuel count will be essential. We can’t let the development of new fuels become an excuse for inertia. Immediate improvements are essential particularly as the current fleet and ships in the builder’s yard now will be on the water for decades for come. Our environment can’t sustain a “wait and see” strategy. 

The damage that we are doing is cumulative and irreversible and we all share a responsibility to take action. Many clean technologies have been deployed successfully for several years. Some translate the foundations of shipping such as sails, or hull coatings, into a true 21st Century solution. 

Others embrace big data, AI, advanced new materials and new ground breaking technologies. The history of seafaring is one of optimism, perseverance and ingenuity in the face of difficulty. No challenge is greater than the fight against climate change, and we should use all the tools we can today. 

The history of shipping shows that those who rose to the challenges prospered and those that either left it to others or ignored those challenges failed. We are calling for all shipping stakeholders and international authorities to expand their focus and attention. 

Long term innovation, research and development and the development of alternative fuels are key to decarbonising the maritime sector, BUT they are not the whole solution. Shipping needs to integrate the available efficiency and renewable propulsion technologies into their roadmap immediately with the following goals:

  • To ensure that we move to address the environmental challenges right away
  • To provide the opportunity to immediately drop emissions and fuel consumption while alternative fuels continue to scale up.
  • To provide the current fleet with an opportunity to keep pace with the rapidly accelerating environmental objectives coming from regulators, the market and the end consumer.

With the right support from investors and regulation, energy efficiency and renewable propulsion technology can inspire more ambitious targets and innovation, and ensure that shipping can continue as the lynchpin of a low-carbon global economy.

 

Photo credit: Alex Duffy from Unsplash
Published: 3 November, 2021

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Mass Flowmeter

Hong Kong backs MFM adoption with voluntary scheme to boost bunkering competitiveness

Hong Kong’s Marine Department launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems on their bunker vessels.
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June 4, 2026

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RESIZED EH dual mfm setup

Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) on Wednesday (3 June) launched the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements. 

Details of the bunker vessels successfully included in the List will be published on a dedicated page on the MD’s website for reference by shipping companies and relevant stakeholders.

Participation in the Scheme is voluntary. In addition to receiving recognition from the MD, participating bunker operators will benefit from enhanced corporate image and competitiveness through the adoption of MFM systems, thereby boosting customers’ confidence and helping to create new business opportunities.

 A spokesman for the MD, said: “As an international maritime centre supported by our country, Hong Kong has a strategic location adjacent to major international fairways. Coupled with years of development in marine fuel bunkering, Hong Kong possesses rich experience and talent in the field. For many years, Hong Kong has consistently ranked as the seventh-largest bunkering port globally, the second-largest in our country, and the largest in the Greater Bay Area, providing reliable and competitive fuel bunkering services to ocean-going vessels from around the world. 

“As the international shipping industry has an increasing demand for accuracy and transparency in bunkering services, service quality and measurement precision in bunkering operations have become important indicators of a bunkering port’s competitiveness. The Scheme will enhance bunkering accuracy and transparency, further enhancing the quality of Hong Kong’s bunkering services.

The spokesman added that comprehensive port services are one of Hong Kong’s key advantages as an international maritime centre.

“We will also mandate the use of MFM systems on all methanol bunker vessels this year to ensure that Hong Kong continues to provide high-quality bunkering services in the era of green maritime fuels.” 

Note: The application form for the Scheme can be found on the MD’s website. Interested bunker operators can download the application form from the website or contact the MD’s Green Maritime Fuel Team via email ([email protected]) for details.

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.
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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

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 of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

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Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.
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June 4, 2026

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StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

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