Alternative fuels a challenge for bulkers and tankers
By George Georgiou
A wait-and-see approach until the full availability of new fuels will jeopardize the achievement of the zero-emissions target by 2050 and all intermediate milestones by then, the CEO of the Global Center for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD), Professor Lynn Loo, said to "Naftemporiki" recognizing the difficulty of penetration of new fuels in tramp shipping and the need to turn to different technologies to improve energy efficiency.
GCMD was launched in 2021 as a non-profit organization, with the aim of supporting efforts to decarbonize shipping through pilot projects. Founding partners were BHP, BW Group, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Foundation Det Norske Veritas, Ocean Network Express and Seatrium.
Initially on short, pre-determined routes
New fuels will likely be adopted initially in short, pre-defined routes where advance planning is feasible. "Tramp shipping, which includes bulkers and tankers, faces greater challenges as they have little visibility at the supply ports," explained Loo.
(Editor:Liao Yifan)