Shipowners warn fuel transition could slip beyond 2030 as methanol demand remains uncertain

Regulatory uncertainty and limited shipbuilding capacity could delay the wider adoption of alternative marine fuels beyond 2030, shipping executives said, while orders for methanol-capable vessels may not translate directly into demand for the fuel.

Speaking at the tenth Annual International Shipping Forum in Pudong, Shanghai, Safe Bulkers president Loukas Barmparis said ambiguity over decarbonization rules and heavily booked shipyards would delay the transition, pointing to a period after 2030 toward 2035.

He described maritime decarbonization as “somehow stalled,” with progress currently concentrated on improving the energy efficiency of existing ships and newer vessel designs. Uncertainty over the International Maritime Organization’s decisions had held back ordering before prompting owners to choose conventional vessels, said Dario Bocchetti, Grimaldi Group’s head of energy-saving, research and design, and ship design.

Similarly, Pacific Carriers Limited CEO and managing director Hor Weng Yew said owners could focus on improving fuel efficiency while weighing longer-term fuel decisions.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →