Navigating Maritime Decarbonisation – Powering the Big Shift

Navigating Maritime Decarbonisation – Powering the Big Shift Through Alternative Fuels, Shore Power, and Infrastructure Readiness

The introduction of regulatory mechanisms such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) for maritime, cold ironing mandates, and the IMO’s revised strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve net zero by around 2050 signals a pivotal era of energy transition for the maritime industry. These measures are accelerating the urgency to decarbonise global shipping, driving the need for investment in shore power, alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen, and upgrades to grid capacity at ports. As shipping lines face increasing pressure to plug in and reduce emissions, coordinated action across industry, government, and energy providers is essential to enable a sustainable maritime future.

The UK’s Clean Maritime Plan reinforces the need for zero-emission shipping solutions and underscores shore power as a critical enabler. Meanwhile, outcomes from MEPC 83 have reaffirmed the global push toward decarbonisation through short-term measures and mid-term fuel transitions. As regulations evolve, shipping lines must act now to integrate with port-side electrical infrastructure and plug into clean energy sources—or risk penalties, limited access, and operational disruption.

This session will explore:

• The future of alternative marine fuels: ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, and synthetic options
• Cold ironing and shore power readiness: balancing regulation with on-the-ground grid capacity
• Insights from the UK Clean Maritime Plan and MEPC 83
• Infrastructure, investment, and collaboration models to enable zero-emission ports
• The commercial and operational imperatives for shipping lines to reduce emissions and plug in

Bringing together government, port authorities, energy providers, and vessel operators, this discussion will spotlight practical pathways to accelerate maritime decarbonisation at scale.

Please note: this event will take place at the Seatrade Maritime offices at 240 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8BU.