SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES
BY INTERCARGO- March 2026
DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS
Grieg to install wind solutions on dry bulk vessels
First commercial agreement for GT Wings comes after Grieg’s investment in the start-up in 2025.Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Laskaridis Shipping dives into wind propulsion with suction sails on board bulker
Laskaridis Shipping is progressing with the installation of suction sails on one of its bulk carriers as part of its wind-assisted propulsion strategy. Reference: Riviera. Link
Novel carbon capture system and ammonia carrier design get green light
Concept designs for a dry bulk carrier with onboard carbon capture and an ammonia-powered carrier have received approvals in principle from ClassNK. Reference: Riviera. Link
Halten Bulk doubles down on low-emission shortsea shipping
New vessels will be equipped with rotor sails to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in coastal trades. Reference: Splash247. Link
Pilbara ammonia bunkering hub progresses
Plans for Australia’s first ammonia bunkering hub are advancing to support future marine fuel demand. Reference: Port Strategy. Link
METHANOL / ETHANOL
Shipowner Rye-Florentz secures e-methanol for tanker fleet
The UK-based owner has secured green methanol supply for chemical carriers designed to operate on low-carbon fuels. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Wah Kwong completes Hong Kong’s first green methanol bunkering
The operation marks a regional milestone in methanol fuel deployment involving a China Merchants vessel. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
CMA CGM completes first biomethanol bunkering in China
The company conducted its first biomethanol bunkering operation using low-carbon fuel supplied to a newbuilding. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Wallenius Wilhelmsen secures bio-methanol supply
A two-year agreement with Equinor supports the company’s transition toward lower-emission fuels through mass-balanced bio-methanol. Reference: Motorship. Link
Everllence and Vale collaborate on ethanol fuel development
The partnership aims to advance ethanol as a viable fuel for large ocean-going vessels. Reference: Motorship. Link
Everllence advances hydrogen propulsion
The company has upgraded its research engine test bench to enable hydrogen combustion trials. Reference: Motorship. Link
AMMONIA
Sumitomo, K Line and NYK team up on ammonia bunkering vessel
The partners are advancing the development of a low- or zero-carbon ammonia bunkering vessel concept. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Ammonia propulsion reaches commercial milestone
WinGD has completed approval and acceptance testing of its ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine, marking a key step toward zero-carbon shipping. Reference: Motorship. Link
KR develops ammonia after-treatment system
A new exhaust gas treatment solution has been developed to support ammonia-fuelled engine deployment. Reference: Motorship. Link
HYDROGEN
Japan demonstrates hydrogen-fuelled engine for large commercial vessels
A large-scale hydrogen-fuelled engine has been demonstrated for potential application on ocean-going ships. Reference: Maritime Executive. Link
China to dominate green fuel landscape as hydrogen strategy advances
China’s expanding hydrogen economy is expected to play a leading role in shaping the global green fuel market. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
DNV study highlights hydrogen safety considerations
A multi-year study underscores the importance of design-based safety principles for hydrogen adoption in maritime operations. Reference: Motorship. Link
BIOMASS/BIOFUELS
Titan Clean Fuels signs up to buy e-methane for shipping from Turn2X
The agreement will support the supply of e-methane to the maritime sector from 2028. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
CARBON CAPTURE
NYK teams up with Chiyoda and Knutsen on carbon capture and storage projects
The collaboration will advance CCS initiatives both in Japan and internationally.
Reference: TradeWinds. Link
TECHNOLOGIES
MOL and Hitachi group to turn old ships into floating data centres
The initiative aims to develop offshore digital infrastructure to support growing AI demand. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Scorpio Tankers joins push into nuclear propulsion
The company is investing in nuclear propulsion development through a strategic partnership. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Orca AI receives ClassNK technology qualification
The platform’s AI-based perception system has been validated for autonomous navigation applications. Reference: Ship Management International. Link
Joint project launched on nuclear-powered electric propulsion
Industry partners are collaborating on the development of nuclear-powered electric propulsion systems for future vessels. Reference: Riviera. Link
Hydrogen fuel cell cruise ship advances toward zero-emission operations
Viking’s hydrogen-powered cruise vessel is progressing toward zero-emission capability in port and sensitive areas. Reference: Riviera. Link
Large-scale battery system planned for Polarstern research vessel
A 16 MWh battery system will support next-generation polar research operations. Reference: PeopleTech Maritime. Link
Jiangnan Shipyard advances nuclear propulsion capabilities
The shipyard has secured a civil nuclear licence supporting future reactor development. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
DECARBONISATION
WinGD study exposes cracks in the green LNG story
The analysis highlights risks that current policy frameworks could lock the industry into fossil LNG pathways. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES
BY INTERCARGO- February 2026
DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS
Seabound reaches commercial deployment milestone
Seabound has completed its first full-scale onboard carbon capture system, marking a major commercial milestone for the UK-based clean technology company. Reference: Motorship. Link
METHANOL / ETHANOL
Vale teams up with Everllence on ethanol fuelling
The mining major is developing triple-fuel ore carriers capable of using emerging ethanol-based marine fuels. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
NYK bulker cuts emissions by two-thirds using low-carbon methanol
The Japanese owner reported significant emission reductions from an ultramax chartered by BHP. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
ETFuels inks first binding e-methanol offtake deal with RFOcean
A fixed-price green methanol supply agreement from 2030 underscores a long-term compliance strategy. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
Japan completes first STS methanol bunkering
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and partners completed Japan’s first ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at anchorage. Reference: Motorship. Link
AMMONIA
WinGD ammonia two-stroke engine completes type approval testing
Completion of Type Approval and Factory Acceptance Testing marks a major milestone toward commercial ammonia propulsion. Reference: PeopleTech Maritime. Link
Ammonia effluent standards group launches
An international working group will develop global safety management and discharge standards for ammonia-fuelled ships. Reference: Motorship. Link
First offshore vessel to operate on ammonia coming this autumn
Eidesvik Offshore is converting PSV Viking Energy for ammonia-powered operations. Reference: Offshore Energy. Link
HYDROGEN
Hydrogen on the horizon for new-build Norwegian ferry
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a propulsion contract for Gotlandsbolaget’s hydrogen-ready ferry Horizon X. Reference: Maritime Journal. Link
New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry enters design stage
Development has started on a hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast-ferry design targeting New York waters. Reference: Riviera. Link
Everllence advances hydrogen propulsion
The company has upgraded its Augsburg research engine test bench to enable hydrogen combustion trials. Reference: Motorship. Link
BIOMASS/BIOFUELS
Biofuel industries make their pitch for shipping
Methanol, ethanol and biogas producers call for stronger regulatory support while highlighting supply constraints and feedstock complexities. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
Regulation isn’t the only factor slowing bio-LNG uptake
Production fragmentation, regulatory differences and methane leakage risks are cited as key barriers. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
CARBON CAPTURE
DNV plots a rocky road to onboard carbon capture
Scenario modelling suggests onboard carbon capture could contribute post-2030, but faces significant technical and economic challenges. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
TECHNOLOGIES
Jiangnan Shipyard obtains nuclear safety licence
A five-year civil nuclear licence supports China’s advancing nuclear propulsion ambitions. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
Maersk and Bill Gates back American battery pioneer
Fleetzero has secured $43m in Series A funding to scale high-density marine battery systems. Reference: Splash247. Link
Cold ironing just got cooler
INNIO Group’s Jenbacher microgrids integrate cogeneration systems with renewable energy sources for shore power. Reference: Port Strategy. Link
Saipem adopts AI for predictive maintenance
AI tools are being deployed to enhance maintenance efficiency and safety offshore. Reference: Riviera. Link
Fuel tech firm aims to reform bunker efficiency
Fuelre4m claims its molecular reforming technology enhances combustion and energy output from conventional bunker fuels. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
DECARBONISATION
Panama, Liberia and Argentina propose LNG-friendly alternative to Net-Zero Framework
The proposal suggests lower emission targets without a carbon price and introduces surplus unit flexibility mechanisms. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
NGOs sue EU Commission over green taxonomy
Legal action challenges the EU’s classification of fossil-fuelled shipping and aviation as sustainable activities. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
Crew change travel carries overlooked carbon cost
Scope 3.6 emissions from crew logistics are drawing increasing scrutiny within maritime decarbonisation strategies. Reference: Splash247. Link
Hapag-Lloyd and DSV sign CO₂e emissions-reduction agreement
A two-year framework agreement aims to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Reference: Riviera. Link
$20 billion Asian LNG project advances with environmental clearance
Indonesia’s Masela block LNG development progresses following regulatory approval. Reference: Offshore Energy. Link
SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES
BY INTERCARGO- January 2026
DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS
Berge Bulks fits second ship with rotor sails
Berge Neru becomes the Singapore-based owner’s third wind-assisted vessel, reinforcing its wind propulsion strategy. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Cargill’s first methanol-fuelled ship embarks on maiden voyage
The first of five methanol-fuelled bulker newbuildings is expected to initially use methanol primarily for testing purposes. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
HMM showcases South Korea’s first domestic wind propulsion system
The owner has indicated a fleet-wide rollout for its dry bulk vessels should trials confirm meaningful fuel savings. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Bulk carrier installation highlights risks and benefits of OCCS
China Classification Society underlines the need to balance innovation with safety as onboard carbon capture technologies evolve. Reference: Motorship. Link
Hydrogen boost for bulk shipping
LH2 Shipping has secured NOK 299 million to further advance hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. Reference: Motorship. Link
Paradip plugs in to shore-to-ship power
Paradip Port becomes India’s second major port to commission a shore power system capable of supplying full-load electricity. Reference: Port Strategy. Link
METHANOL
New two-stroke methanol dual-fuel engine under development in Japan
J-ENG is targeting commercial methanol engine deployment by 2027 as part of its carbon-neutral roadmap. Reference: Riviera. Link
Maersk adds another methanol-powered vessel to its fleet
A.P. Moller–Maersk has taken delivery of the first in a new series of six dual-fuel mid-size container vessels. Reference: Offshore Energy. Link
Why green methanol first movers are now looking at ethanol
Early adopters of green methanol are reassessing fuel strategies amid regulatory and supply developments. Reference: Lloyd’s List. Link
AMMONIA
CMB.TECH secures green ammonia for newbuildings
The owner has signed offtake and investment agreements to support its expanding ammonia-fuelled fleet. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Project launched to replace diesel generators with ammonia-to-power packs
A joint initiative between Vinssen, Samsung Heavy Industries and Amogy targets ammonia-based onboard power systems. Reference: Splash247. Link
Exmar completes largest ship-to-ship ammonia transfer to date
The operation marks a new milestone in ammonia handling and transfer operations. Reference: Motorship. Link
Wärtsilä to supply ammonia engine for Skarv
The Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia engine will power a new cargo vessel for Skarv Shipping Solutions. Reference: Motorship. Link
Boosting Norway’s ammonia bunkering network
Azane Infrastructure has secured funding to expand bunkering terminals along Norway’s coastline.Reference: Port Strategy. Link
HYDROGEN
Japan to build world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier
A 40,000 m³ LH₂ carrier is planned at Kawasaki, targeting operations in the 2030s. Reference: Riviera. Link
BIOMASS/BIOFUELS
Biofuels shown to significantly reduce black carbon emissions
Trials indicate an 81% reduction in soot emissions from a biodiesel-powered tanker. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
MOL, Sinopec and Marubeni partner on marine biodiesel supply
The collaboration aims to establish long-term biodiesel supply chains for shipping. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Odfjell launches green corridor between Brazil and Europe
Certified sustainable biofuel will be used on regular chemical tanker voyages. Reference: Splash247. Link
Bio-LNG market continues strong growth
Rising adoption in 2025 underlines bio-LNG’s growing role in decarbonisation pathways. Reference: Motorship. Link
CARBON CAPTURE
Chinese shipbuilder research quantifies cost of removing one tonne of CO₂
The study examines the full CCS chain from onboard capture to permanent storage.
Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Ports unite to advance carbon capture infrastructure
UK and European ports are collaborating to strengthen CO₂ transport and storage capabilities.
Reference: Port Strategy. Link
Carbon Captured Transhipper concept proposed
The concept focuses on ship-to-ship CO₂ transfer, onboard storage, and shore discharge.Reference: Offshore Energy. Link
It takes a lot of CO₂ to capture CO₂
Findings from GCMD’s Project Captured highlight lifecycle emission accounting challenges. Reference: Lloyds List Link
TECHNOLOGIES
NYK and Stolt-Nielsen invest in ship sludge-to-fuel start-up
XFuel aims to scale production of low-carbon bunkers from waste liquids. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Eastern Pacific and GCMD quantify wind-assisted fuel savings
Average instantaneous power savings of 7.2% were recorded during trials. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Maersk and Bill Gates back US battery pioneer
Fleetzero claims its battery system is the world’s most energy-dense for marine use. Reference: Splash247. Link
HMM rolls out autonomous navigation technology fleetwide
The owner has partnered with Avikus to deploy AI-based navigation systems. Reference: Splash247. Link
DECARBONISATION
Singapore calls for more LNG bunker suppliers
The Maritime and Port Authority plans to upgrade its LNG bunkering reference framework. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
Poseidon Principles banking group considers expansion
Discussions are underway to include private equity and underwriting participants. Reference: TradeWinds. Link
