Alternative Fuels

DNV: Green fuels and feedstocks to drive over 25% of Asia Pacific emissions reductions by 2050

Latest whitepaper reveals green fuels and feedstocks, including hydrogen, ammonia, sustainable fuels and carbon sequestration, will be responsible for over 25% of emissions reductions in Asia Pacific by 2050.

Published

7 months ago

October 30, 2025

Admin

Classification society DNV on Wednesday (29 October) said it launched its latest white paper assessing the role of new energy commodities in achieving net zero in Asia Pacific.

According to the whitepaper, green fuels and feedstocks, including hydrogen, ammonia, sustainable fuels and carbon sequestration, will be responsible for over 25% of emissions reductions in Asia Pacific by 2050.

While most of the region’s net zero transition will be achieved through electrification and the expansion of renewable energy, the latest research from the independent energy expert and assurance provider finds new energy commodities (NECs) will be vital for decarbonizing six sectors: aviation, maritime, steel, power, industrial chemicals and cement.

Together, these clean fuels will significantly enhance sustainability in the region, accelerating economic development and supporting growing populations, while the increased selection of energy sources will also increase resilience to global price shocks and supply shortages.

Building on DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook, The role of new energy commodities in decarbonizing Asia Pacific, has been launched during the Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES), held in conjunction with Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2025.

Amid recent uncertainty surrounding market stimulus for hydrogen and its derivatives – resulting in project delays and slowed investment – DNV’s report aims to spotlight the scale of opportunity by offering practical guidance to unlock potential, such as the industry-led harmonization of standards and certification frameworks, enabling technical interoperability and market access..

Brice Le Gallo, Vice-President and Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Energy Systems at DNV, said: “Reaching net zero won’t be possible without NECs, especially in Asia-Pacific where diverse solutions are needed due to the region’s geography. Hydrogen, ammonia, sustainable fuels, and carbon capture are essential for industries that are hard to decarbonize. Without expanding NECs, these sectors risk falling behind.

“Our study shows that scaling up these technologies will change how energy is traded across the region and will need major investment, strong partnerships and bold innovation. The transformation ahead is huge and both governments and businesses must rise to the challenge.”

Geographical imbalances between countries with cost-efficient supply and those with concentrated industrial demand mean that international trade will play a pivotal role in future APAC energy markets.

DNV expects 81% of NECs to be traded and, as a result, scaling these fuels will require pragmatic mechanisms for cross-border interoperability across the region.

By 2050, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are expected to be among the largest NEC consumers in APAC, but limited domestic supply will make them heavily reliant on imports.

Australia, meanwhile, is well-positioned to lead in meeting regional demand, though emerging regional and international producers are rapidly scaling up and could become strong competitors in the future.

Thomas Koller, Regional Hydrogen, Ammonia and Sustainable Fuels Lead, Asia Pacific, Energy Systems at DNV, said: “Within the region’s diverse range of countries, six key industries (aviation, maritime, steel, power, industrial chemicals and cement) will depend heavily on NECs to achieve deep decarbonization.”

“From sustainable aviation fuel in the skies to ammonia and methanol powering ships in Singapore, and hydrogen driving green steel, each sector has a clear pathway. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) will also play a critical role, particularly for steel and cement, where direct electrification is not yet feasible.”

Meeting demand from these sectors will require extensive new infrastructure across APAC, including some 12 billion solar panels and 2.7 million wind turbines by 2050 – equivalent, for example, to nearly 240 times the current combined solar and wind capacity of Australia.

In addition, 189 new ports and 1,221 carriers need to be built to support new energy commodity production and trade in the region.

DNV’s research pinpoints three strategic priorities to accelerate adoption of new energy commodities across APAC, including building resilient regional supply chains through infrastructure investment and aligned standards. Focus must also be given to managing biomass resources in aviation and maritime through balanced, flexible strategies, as well as enabling carbon capture and storage for hard-to-abate industries by strengthening market signals with carbon pricing, mandates and certification frameworks.

Le Gallo added: “The energy transition is already happening, with emissions expected to peak this year. To meet APAC’s climate goals, we need to completely rethink how energy is made, moved and used.

“Strong policies across all countries are crucial to speed up the use of new energy sources and tackle challenges like high costs, lack of infrastructure and inconsistent standards. Full regional alignment is tough, but practical cooperation between countries can help scale up industrial decarbonization.”

Note: The full report titled ‘The role of new energy commodities in decarbonizing Asia Pacific’ can be downloaded here.

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
Published: 30 October, 2025

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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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8 hours ago

June 4, 2026

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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

Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.

Published

9 hours ago

June 4, 2026

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Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan.

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd.

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

Nuclear

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

LR is working with HHI, KSOE, Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and KAERI on a joint development project exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a PCTC.

Published

9 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Admin

South Korean-led nuclear car carrier design secures LR backing

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) on Tuesday (2 June) said it has teamed up with South Korean shipbuilding, marine services and nuclear research organisations to advance the development of a nuclear‑assisted car carrier concept.

LR is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project (JDP) exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

The study focused on how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be physically and operationally integrated into a large vehicle carrier. Work examined the internal arrangement and segregation of the reactor system, shielding requirements, and the impact on cargo deck layout and vehicle capacity, alongside stability and trim implications linked to the reactor’s weight and positioning.

The partners also assessed propulsion system configuration and power delivery, as well as operational flexibility compared with conventionally fuelled PCTCs, where trade routes and port calls can be tightly constrained.

A key focus of the project has been safety. LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment work, focusing on containment, onboard safety systems and potential operability constraints tied to nuclear technology at sea.

The partners will mark the project milestone with an Approval in Principle (AiP) granting ceremony on 2 June at the LR stand during Posidonia 2026.

Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register, said: “While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress.

“Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design.”

Hong-Ryeul Ryu, CTO and Senior Executive Vice President at HD HHI, said: “With global environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent and no definitive net-zero fuel yet available, SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development.”

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 4 June, 2026