2026· International journal of research and innovation in applied science· 0 citations
Abstract
As a critical enabler of global commerce, the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with international climate objectives. Currently, shipping accounts for nearly 3% of the world’s total emissions, positioning decarbonization as not just a regulatory obligation, but also an ethical and economic necessity. Recognizing this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious climate goals-most notably, a commitment to cut GHG emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2023). Meeting this target will require a sweeping transformation, including a shift toward low- and zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and next-generation biofuels. Moreover, the adoption of cleaner propulsion technologies, enhanced energy efficiency systems, and more sustainable operational practices will be crucial. This paper delves into the technological innovations, regulatory frameworks, and economic implications of maritime decarbonization, highlighting the importance of global coordination, consistent policy support, and active stakeholder engagement to achieve a just and sustainable energy transition in the shipping sector.
Maritime transport is a fundamental component of global trade, ensuring the movement of approximately 80% of goods worldwide. Despite its efficiency, the sector remains a notable contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). In the context of increasing environmental concerns and international pressure to reduce emissions, decarbonization has become a strategic priority. This paper aims to examine the main pathways through which maritime transport can transition towards zero-emission operations. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on the analysis of recent industry reports, regulatory frameworks, and existing literature. It focuses on evaluating technological solutions, including alternative fuels such as liquified natural gas (LNG), methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, as well as energy-efficiency measures and operational improvements. Particular attention is given to international regulations and their role in shaping industry practices. The analysis indicates that no single solution can achieve full decarbonization independently. Instead, a combination of fuel innovation, technological advancement, and operational optimisation is required. While alternative fuels show significant potential, their widespread adoption is currently limited by infrastructure constraints, safety considerations, and economic factors. Regulatory measures are found to play a critical role in accelerating this transition. In conclusion, the decarbonization of maritime transport represents a complex but necessary transformation. Achieving zero emissions will depend on coordinated efforts between policymakers, industry stakeholders and technology developers. The findings of this paper contribute to a better understanding of current challenges and highlight practical pathways for a more sustainable maritime future.
Andrei Răzvan Tudor, Bogdan Mihai Vârlan, Cătălin Faităr· IOP Conference Series: Mater...· 0 citations
The maritime sector accounts for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions and remains among the most difficult industries to decarbonize because of its continued reliance on fossil fuels. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of current pathways toward maritime decarbonization by critically analyzing regulatory frameworks, energy-efficiency technologies, alternative fuels, techno-economic factors, and prospective transition strategies is provided in this work. Initially, it examines the influence of international climate policies and emission-reduction targets on the transformation of maritime energy systems, followed by an evaluation of technical and operational measures for improving efficiency, such as hull optimization, energy-saving technologies, wind-assisted propulsion, digitalization, and intelligent voyage planning. The review then systematically compares the characteristics, benefits, limitations, and commercialization prospects of major alternative marine fuels, including liquefied natural gas, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, biofuels, and synthetic e-fuels, considering key factors such as energy density, storage requirements, safety, infrastructure maturity, lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, and scalability. In addition, well-to-wake environmental performance, bunkering infrastructure, economic constraints, fuel availability, and renewable electricity demand associated with large-scale fuel adoption are critically assessed. The findings indicate that no individual fuel or technology is sufficient to achieve full maritime decarbonization. Instead, a coordinated portfolio of measures integrating operational efficiency improvements, diverse alternative fuels, digital technologies, enabling regulatory frameworks, and significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure will be essential. Finally, the review highlights major research gaps, safety concerns, and policy priorities that can facilitate the development of resilient, economically feasible, and environmentally sustainable pathways aiming to achieve maritime decarbonization by 2050.
M. Dzida, Lan Huong Nguyen· Journal of Transportation an...· 1 citation
The shipping industry is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets under its 2023 GHG strategy, including reducing the carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This review examines the adaptability of ammonia and methanol as alternative marine fuels toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the shipping sector. The analysis focuses on key assessment criteria covering well-to-wake emissions, production pathways, thermophysical properties, infrastructure scalability, safety, economic feasibility, and technological readiness. Ammonia is considered a promising long-term solution owing to its carbon-free composition; however, it faces significant challenges, including higher production costs (particularly for green ammonia), NOx emissions associated with combustion inefficiencies, acute toxicity, and regulatory barriers related to safety. In contrast, methanol is represented as a pragmatic short-term option because of its compatibility with existing infrastructure, bunkering, and storage systems with minimal modification. Moreover, the use of renewable methanol (biomethanol and e-methanol) significantly reduces carbon emissions and enhances sustainability. However, it requires larger storage volumes because of its lower energy density, in addition to concerns regarding its toxicity. The analysis reveals that a dual-fuel strategy is a viable pathway for methanol adoption in the short and medium term to meet net-zero carbon targets. However, the wider adoption of ammonia still requires further research and development to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to address long-term toxicity concerns associated with its handling to achieve a sustainable future.
K. E. Elfeky, I. Sherif, A. G. Mohammed et al.· Energy & Fuels· 0 citations
Maritime transport, responsible for over 90% of global trade, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. Achieving international decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization and the European Green Deal requires not only advancements in vessel technologies but also the sustainable transformation of port infrastructures. In this context, this study examines current trends in shore-to-ship (STS) charging technologies as a key enabler of sustainable port electrification. It provides a comprehensive review of AC, DC, and hybrid charging architectures, along with recent developments in robotic and autonomous charging systems. The study also explores industrial standards and energy management strategies for smart port applications, and identifies renewable integration and grid interaction models as key directions for future research. Furthermore, the study proposes an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Readiness Index (OPSRI), a multi-criteria assessment framework that evaluates ship types based on their operational, technical, infrastructural, and regulatory suitability for onshore power integration. The main contribution of this review lies in integrating international standards, robotic charging technologies, and ship-type-specific readiness assessment into a unified analytical framework. The results indicate that ferries and tugboats are highly suitable for OPS deployment, while long-haul cargo vessels face greater limitations under current conditions. Overall, the findings offer practical insights for port authorities, policymakers, and energy planners, highlighting key challenges and future directions toward smart, sustainable, and low-carbon port ecosystems.
Emin Güney, C. Bayilmis, Yezhou Yang et al.· Journal of Marine Science an...· 0 citations
Over recent decades, the European Union has implemented robust measures to combat climate change, achieving a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 37% by 2023 relative to 1990 levels. This achievement is a result of the expanded deployment of renewable energy sources and a shift away from high- carbon fossil fuels. With the increase of global attention to the ecological consequences of maritime activities, especially in coastal and port areas, the framework of sustainable logistics has gained attention as an essential approach to mitigating emissions and safeguarding marine environments. The article examines critical ignored sources in current maritime decarbonization efforts, where attention has mostly stayed on onboard ship fuels and designs rather than the full land-sea interface. It further evaluates the stipulated and proposed policy, its implications, and the contributions of various stakeholders in advancing sustainable maritime transport. Drawing on the Central Klaipeda Terminal as an illustrative example, the analysis highlights strategies for enhancing air quality through targeted reductions in gaseous pollutants.
Mario B. Egboye, P. Obeta· SPE Nigeria Annual Internati...· 0 citations
The global energy system must deeply decarbonize as soon as possible to avert the worst consequences of climate change, including the transportation sector, which accounts for 23% of global emissions. Several technological options have been proposed to decarbonize diesel-consuming heavy-duty vehicles, including hydrogen fuel-cell trucks and battery-electric trucks. This study models the newfound interdependency between zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and the electricity grid, in a sector-coupling generation expansion planning model, to achieve net-zero emissions in 2050. We demonstrate that when considering the electric grid impacts of zero-emission trucks, battery trucks offer the cost optimal approach, with up to 47% savings compared to the hydrogen alternative. We also show that current hydrogen price targets are too high to achieve decarbonization via hydrogen fuel-cell trucks; parity with batteries is only achieved when hydrogen prices for the consumer fall below $1/kg. We show that abatement costs are within the scope of current carbon pricing schemes, where diesel fuel prices must rise by 20-50¢/L to promote decarbonization of heavy-duty trucking for both BETs and HFCTs.
Andrew J. Moffat, A. Abdulla· Environmental Science and Te...· 0 citations
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