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Alternative Fuels

Demand aggregation can help accelerate availability and use of zero-emission bunker fuels

Global Maritime Forum explored the topic of demand aggregation for zero-emission shipping fuels and the role it can play in supporting their early uptake in a two-part insight brief series.

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Demand aggregation measures have the potential to accelerate and broaden access to zero-emission bunker fuels by addressing some of the factors keeping first movers from securing supply, according to a new two-part insight brief series by the Global Maritime Forum on Thursday (22 August). 

The brief explored the topic of demand aggregation for zero-emission shipping fuels and the role it can play in supporting their early uptake in the sector.

The first brief provided an overview of the challenges early movers are experiencing in securing green methanol and ammonia, and how demand aggregation could help overcome them. 

The second surveyed the available approaches to aggregating demand for zero-emission fuels in detail and explores how they can be applied by early movers.

Key Insights

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets net zero emissions by 2050, with 5-10% of energy from alternative fuels by 2030. However, only a few shipping companies have secured an adequate supply of these fuels.

This challenge arises because operators must commit to long-term, large-scale, high-cost fuel contracts (10-15 years). Without such agreements, producers cannot raise the capital to begin fuel production, stalling the transition.

To overcome this, the Global Maritime Forum has identified novel solutions that fuel producers, would-be fuel users, and market enablers can use to scale availability such as:

Demand-led measures

Joint procurement – By pooling purchasing power, shipowners, operators and/or charters can exercise collective bargaining power, support the development of key infrastructure, and send strong demand signals to the market

Joint ventures – For participants in existing green corridor initiatives to share costs and risks, leverage combined financial capacity, and simplify shipping’s complex contracting

Third party-led measures

Market making – Having a government or international institution step in to make the commitment with producers and then selling the fuel on to shipping companies on a shorter, smaller, and/or cheaper basis.

Hydrogen hubs – Increased participation in hydrogen hubs to connect producers, consumers, and connective infrastructure in a specific location.

Supply-led measures

Time stacking – Encouraging fuel producers, and their financiers, to accept a package of shorter contracts so no single shipping operator must commit to a full 10 to15-year contract

Through these measures, sustainable fuels such as green ammonia and methanol can be produced in high enough quantities to hit international sustainable fuel targets, while keeping the burden on shipping manageable.

To help early movers understand the options at their disposal, these insight briefs survey these approaches and provide an overview of key considerations surrounding them. 

With demand aggregation being an evolving landscape, it is not intended to be an exhaustive presentation, but rather to serve as a starting point for further discussion on the topic.

Note: The two-part insight brief series by the Global Maritime Forum can be found here and here. 

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 26 August, 2024

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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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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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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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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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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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