Pathway to decarbonisation

A new study produced for OGCI and Concawe by Ricardo outlines the need for large-scale deployment of new technologies and the use of low-carbon fuels to help the sector meet IMO emissions reduction targets.

“Unlocking these zero-carbon fuel pathways will avoid higher emission pathways becoming locked in,” said Tim Scarbrough, Ricardo associate director and one of the report authors.

“The deployment of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures is also vital in the short term to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels prior to that transition. A tightening of the IMO’s decarbonisation target would help to underline the need for these near-term choices.”

Three pathways

Three possible pathways are suggested in the report, namely the early pursuit of green ammonia and hydrogen; replacing fossil fuels with drop-in liquid and gaseous biofuels; and promoting the maximum uptake of energy efficiency technologies, carbon capture onboard vessels and the gradual increase of green ammonia and methanol.

All three pathways are estimated to meet the IMO’s decarbonisation goals, however, when considering total costs through to 2050, the study estimated that pathway 2, while facing fewer barriers to deployment, would be more expensive than the fuel switches of pathways 1 and 3 that would require investment in new vessel engines.

The consultancy is currently involved in two Scottish Islands projects to decarbonise maritime activities. It is part of the consortium undertaking the ‘Hydrogen in an Integrated Maritime Energy Transition’ project focused on ferry services in Orkney, and the £500,000 NEPTUNE project to support the transition to zero-carbon fuels for the Shetland Islands’ marine sector.