Oceanly explores how the transition to cleaner fuels is complex and could unintentionally increase emissions if not carefully managed. 

In this insightful article for Baltic Transport Journal by our Sales and Marketing Director, Ingela Mandl, she explores how the transition to cleaner fuels,  like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen is complex and could unintentionally increase emissions if not carefully managed. 

“Electro-fuels are advantageous as they burn cleanly; however, their production demands substantial renewable energy. Utilising electricity derived from fossil fuels during this process could counteract the environmental gains we aim for. It’s essential to consider the entire emissions lifecycle.” she says.

Infrastructure for electro-fuel production also remains under-developed. The shipping industry needs 5,000–6,000TWh of renewable energy annually to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, far exceeding current capacity. INTERTANKO’s 2022 report to the IMO stressed the need to assess whether energy systems can support this shift, as the risk of increasing emissions remains.

Green ammonia, for instance, relies on hydrogen from energy-intensive water electrolysis, often powered by non-renewable electricity. Scaling production would demand significant resources, potentially diverting investment from other renewable projects and slowing global emission reduction efforts.

Shipowners face tough decisions on sustainable fuel strategies. A phased transition using a mix of fuels and technologies will be necessary. Industry collaboration and shared best practices are key to ensuring a smooth shift.

At Oceanly, we focus on both new fuels and immediate efficiency improvements. Our platform enhances fleet performance and transparency, helping the industry optimise current operations while preparing for future fuel transitions.

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