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Alternative Fuels

DNV white paper tackles decarbonisation, alternative bunker fuels for naval vessels

New white paper concludes developing “green” drop-in fuels alone may not be sufficient in determining feasibility of low- or zero-carbon fuels for the naval segment.
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A white paper published by classification society DNV on Wednesday (20 April) has concluded that developing “green” drop-in fuels alone may not be enough for the naval segment as there are other practical considerations such as logistics and fuel availability in determining the feasibility of different low- or zero-carbon fuels. 

The white paper titled “Alternative Fuels for Naval Vessels” explores how naval vessels can minimise their environmental impact without increasing their operational vulnerability.

Navies around the world are becoming increasingly aware that they will also be affected by the decarbonisation challenge facing the maritime world. 

However, to fulfil their defensive purpose, naval vessels must also meet specific requirements which add complexity to their search for the most sustainable fuel types, says DNV. 

Despite navies not being subject to the same scrutiny as the commercial shipping industry, they are nevertheless coming under growing societal pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. 

Furthermore, they will need to face potential global challenges affecting logistics and, therefore, fuel availability.

This has implications for the design of future naval vessels and developing  “green” drop-in fuels alone may not be sufficient. 

While the scientific and practical advancements made in developing and testing alternative fuels and propulsion technologies for private sector shipping are of great value to the military, combatant naval vessels must be able to operate under direct threat, at high speeds, and for extended periods of time without refuelling.

“Alternative fuels are the most effective measure to fully decarbonise in the future, but practical considerations such as logistics, fuel availability, fuel change flexibility and design impacts are critical factors in determining the feasibility of the different low- or zero-carbon fuels for the naval segment,” said Christian von Oldershausen, DNV Maritime Segment Director for Navy. 

“The new paper evaluates different fuel options to provide a solid decision support for newbuilds and vessels in operation.”

“This white paper provides an excellent starting point for us to work together to protect our environment and at the same time ensure the operational readiness of our navies,” said Jan Christian Kaack, Vice Admiral, Chief German Navy, Commander Fleet and Supporting Forces. 

The white paper is based on a wide range of public-domain information sources as well as a survey conducted among 130 stakeholders from 12 countries to ascertain current trends and expectations.

It summarises recent technology developments; discusses current and emerging fuel choices including their pros and cons, as well as their technical and military implications; looks at other carbon abatement and efficiency enhancing measures; and analyses the current navel fleets and their respective uptake of alternative fuels.

The authors differentiate between the needs of combatant vessels and those of auxiliary, non-combatant ships, which usually operate closer to shore and travel shorter distances. Special attention is given to the unique operating patterns of submarines and the resulting requirements.

The document sees significant potential – especially for non-combatant ships – to adopt alternative fuels which are available today and increasingly used by the merchant fleet. In the survey conducted for this white paper, more than 83% of respondents saw biofuels as a more realistic option for naval ships than ammonia, methanol, hydrocarbons or other power sources.

The paper also explores the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear propulsion, which has been used by the United States Navy for decades because of the speed and endurance it gives to combatant vessels.

The full copy of the whitepaper can be downloaded here. 

 

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 25 April, 2022

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Alternative Fuels

Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol and RFNBO-methanol across the EEA, UK, and Switzerland.
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June 17, 2026

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Wah Kwong subsidiary appoints Nordic Green Biotrading as European distributor

Venture Energy, a sustainable fuels supplier headquartered in Hong Kong, recently announced the signing of a Distribution Agreement with Nordic Green Biotrading ApS (Nordic Green), appointing the Danish company as its exclusive distributor of renewable methanol across the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

The move marked a key step in expanding Venture Energy’s next-generation marine fuels platform into the European market.

Venture Energy is a subsidiary of Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport, focusing on the procurement and trading of clean fuels.

Under the agreement, Nordic Green will have the exclusive right to market, promote, and distribute Venture Energy’s supply of RED Advanced bio-methanol (bio-methanol) and RFNBO-methanol (e-methanol) throughout the Territory.

“We are delighted to formalise our longstanding collaboration with Nordic Green as our strategic distribution partner in Europe, extending the breadth and quality of our downstream coverage for our supplier network and developing the profile of high-quality renewable methanol producers in the European market.” said Gregor McMillan, Executive Director of Venture Energy.

Deepak Devendrappa, General Manager of Venture Energy, said: “Nordic Green’s track record in local distribution, deep market knowledge, and strong customer relationships across the region’s core bio-blending and chemical sectors make them the ideal partner to bring our ISCC-certified renewable methanol to our customers in the territory. 

“This agreement is another step in the road for Venture Energy as we act on Wah Kwong’s commitment to supporting the energy transition with reliable, sustainable fuel solutions.”

The distribution agreement covers sales within the dutiable area of the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Venture Energy will continue to market directly into the marine bunkering segment.

Bo Gleerup, representing Nordic Green, added: “This exclusive partnership represents a significant milestone for Nordic Green. Being able to sell Venture Energy’s high-quality, certified, renewable methanol volumes from a range of bio-methanol and e-methanol producers, complement our existing supply network for European road-fuel and chemical producers. This fresh focus allows us to offer some of the most competitive products coming into the market today. We look forward to working closely

with our colleagues at Venture Energy to develop this collaboration and deliver value to our shared customers across the territory.”

Related: Wah Kwong launches clean fuels procurement and trading subsidiary Venture Energy
Related: Wah Kwong clean fuels trading subsidiary and Shenji Energy ink green methanol supply deal

 

Photo credit: Venture Energy
Published: 17 June, 2026

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Hydrogen

LH2 Shipping wins Enova funding for two more liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers

Company secured USD 36 million for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.

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June 17, 2026

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LH2 Shipping wins Enova funding for two more liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers

Norway’s LH2 Shipping on Tuesday (16 June) said it has been awarded Enova support of NOK 344.3 million (USD 36 million) for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.

With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonising policy goals.

The new projects represent a continuation of LH2 Shipping’s long-term strategy to establish commercially viable hydrogen-powered vessels while contributing to the development of the supporting fuel and bunkering infrastructure required for large-scale adoption.

“This award is an important strategic milestone for LH2 Shipping,” stated Ivan Østvik, CEO of LH2 Shipping. 

“It strengthens our position as a developer of liquid hydrogen-based zero-emission vessel solutions and brings us yet another step closer to our ambition of enabling a substantial fleet of hydrogen-powered vessels that can help establish a complete maritime liquid hydrogen value chain.”

Since introducing the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects, LH2 Shipping has focused on moving beyond demonstration concepts toward commercially deployable vessels. The addition of vessels five and six further expands the project portfolio and supports continued industrial learning across ship design, fuel systems, operations, and infrastructure.

The Enova support will indirectly enable LH2 Shipping to continue their work developing additional zero-emission solutions for passenger transport and offshore operations, supporting Norway’s broader transition toward a low-emission maritime sector.

“If we are to succeed in the transition to low and zero emission solutions in the maritime sector, we depend on players who dare to go first. LH2 Shipping shows how shipping companies can take the lead and adopt new technology. This is crucial to accelerating development and reducing emissions from shipping,” said Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Initiatives, Elin Ulstad Stokland at Enova.

This latest Enova award brings total support for the six vessels to more than NOK 800 million and reinforces the momentum behind hydrogen-powered shipping in Norway. Through these projects, LH2 Shipping is offering ship operators to decarbonise bulk transport at scale while contributing to the development of the infrastructure and experience needed for wider industry adoption.

 

Photo credit: LH2 Shipping
Published: 17 June, 2026

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Methanol

China: Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

Company says commissioning of “Zhong Ran LV Neng 85” will further enhance its service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports.
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June 16, 2026

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Chimbusco takes delivery of new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhoushan

China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco) recently took delivery of its first bunkering vessel in China to deliver methanol to dual-fuel ships.

The 8,500-dwt duplex stainless steel chemical tanker Zhong Ran LV Neng 85 was successfully delivered in Zhoushan.

The company said the commissioning of this new ship will further enhance Chimbusco’s service capabilities in green methanol bunkering in major domestic ports and expand its national marine new energy service and support network

During the delivery period, Chimbusco said it focused on safe operations and conducted special training for all crew members of the vessel.

The training covered methanol bunkering operation specifications, prevention of collisions between commercial and fishing vessels, daily vessel reporting, and voyage report filling standards.

Manifold Times previously reported the launching of the bunkering vessel at Taizhou Fangzhen Shipbuilding Wharf in Zhejiang.

The floating out of the ship comes after Chimbusco has obtained methanol bunkering licences for Shanghai Port and Ningbo Port.

Related: Chimbusco launches new methanol bunkering vessel in Zhejiang

 

Photo credit: China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) (Chimbusco)
Published: 16 June, 2026

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