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Alternative Fuels

Analysis: Weaker IMO NZF options could delay zero-emission bunker fuels to 2040s

Analysis concluded the NZF agreed in principle in April 2025 has the potential to provide a credible, stable demand signal and revenue stream to support early and mass-market uptake of scalable fuels.

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A new insight brief by the UCL Shipping and Oceans Research Group for the Getting to Zero coalition, released recently, warned that weaker alternatives to IMO’s Net-Zero Framework (NZF) risk delaying scalable zero-emission fuel availability into the 2040s, whilst also reducing just and equitable transition opportunities through weakening or removing the fund.

The analysis concluded that only the ‘as is’ (Net Zero Framework as agreed in principle in April 2025) has the potential to provide a credible, stable demand signal and revenue stream to support early and mass-market uptake of scalable zero-emission fuels. 

Prof. Tristan Smith, Professor of Energy and Transport at UCL Shipping and Oceans Research Group, said: “The Net Zero Framework was a fragile compromise in April last year. It should not be surprising that analysis finds that adjustments to make it acceptable to some governments, can be expected to lose support from other governments. 

“Pursuing compromise to the Net Zero Framework ‘as is’ therefore risks further deadlock, and further extension to delay at IMO, and increased likelihood of a patchwork of regional regulation.” 

The insight brief considers three potential scenarios, each having materially different impacts on enforcement, investment signals, revenues, low-income countries, and regional policies:

  • NZF ‘as is’: The framework agreed in principle at MEPC 83 in April 2025 is adopted without modification in November 2026, entering into force in 2028.
  • Single-tier global fuel standard (GFS): A compromise that removes the two-tier GHG fuel intensity architecture, retaining some but not all economic elements.
  • NZF without an economic element: A framework stripped of its compliance market, non-compliance costs, Net-Zero Fund, and zero- and near-zero (ZNZ) reward — leaving only an aspirational GHG fuel intensity trajectory with no material consequences for non-compliance.

The insight brief concludes that alternative scenarios to NZF ‘as is’ would:

  • Provide little or no demand signal and revenue to support uptake of the scalable zero-emission fuels needed in the long run.
  • Still raise costs for lower income countries but would severely limit the capacity to support their transitions and mitigate disproportionate impacts.
  • More likely to encourage regulatory fragmentation, heighten investment risk, and decreased alignment with the IMO’s overall emissions reduction strategy. 

While the Net-Zero Framework is imperfect, many of these risk factors could be managed through the development of its guidelines for implementation. Even the NZF ‘as is’ is projected to deliver only around 10% absolute GHG reduction by 2030 against 2008 levels — below the Revised Strategy’s 20-30% checkpoint in 2030. Weaker scenarios would fall even shorter. The NZF ‘as is’ had the support of 88% of MARPOL signatories at the point of agreement. The report found little evidence that reopening the framework text would produce broader consensus, and significant risk it would reignite political deadlock.

The insight brief therefore found that progressing to adopt the Net-Zero Framework ‘as is’ at MEPC.ES2 in November 2026 has the lowest transition risk, both, for countries and for many companies. Deferment of long-term investment decisions from a protracted delay in search of a majority that is unlikely to exist increase the risk of a disorderly, expensive and inequitable transition.

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 24 February, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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July 21, 2026

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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July 21, 2026

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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