Selected Headlines on Alternative Fuels & Technologies 2026

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES

BY INTERCARGO- May 2026

DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS

Berge Bulk turns WindWings sails into daily operational routine
Shipowner says focus has shifted from installation to optimisation.
Source: TradeWinds – click here

BHP trial highlights search for biofuel alternatives to used cooking oil
Growing competition for biofuels drives the search for new feedstocks. Source: TradeWinds – click here

WinGD Reports First Marine Ethanol-Fueled Engine Orders for Vale Bulkers
WinGD will supply the first ethanol-fueled engines for the massive new ore carriers. Source: Maritime Executive – click here

Pilot trials on Rio Tinto vessel ‘confirm’ solar-powered technology’s ability to deliver fuel savings
Pilot trials confirmed the potential of the NanoDeck photovoltaic system to reduce fuel consumption. Source: Ship Energy – click here

METHANOL / ETHANOL

Partnership targets bio-methanol supply
PuriFire Energy and X-Press Feeders have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to develop port-based bio-methanol production and strengthen green marine fuels supply chains.Source: Port Strategy – click here

First of five methanol retrofits completed under Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd’s collab
The first vessel conversion has been completed under the partners’ methanol retrofit programme. Source: Offshore Energy – click here

European Energy flags successful conversion of e-methanol into gasoline in Denmark
European Energy reports successful conversion of e-methanol into gasoline in Denmark. Source: Ship Energy – click here

First ethanol bunkering at Port of Rotterdam
The container vessel Eco Levant became the first ship bunkered with ethanol at the Port of Rotterdam.Source: Ship Energy – click here

More than three million tonnes of biomethanol and e-methanol capacity currently under construction in China, estimates GENA Solutions
GENA Solutions estimates over three million tonnes of renewable methanol production capacity is currently under construction in China. Source: Ship Energy – click here

Laura Maersk bunkered with 100% ethanol by barge
The dual-fuel feeder container ship Laura Maersk was supplied with 100% ethanol fuel.Source: Ship Energy – click here

AMMONIA

Itochu starts ammonia bunkering trials in Singapore
Demonstration trials are slated for late 2027. Source: TradeWinds – click here

NYK to convert tug for ammonia
NYK has contracted Keihin Dock to convert a tugboat to ammonia-fuel specifications. Source: Motorship – click here

First wave of ammonia dual-fuel cargoships set for delivery across multiple sectors
The maritime industry is approaching a decarbonisation milestone as the first large commercial vessels capable of operating on ammonia fuel near delivery, with DNV reporting 47 ammonia-fuelled newbuildings and three retrofit projects ordered globally.Source: Lloyd’s List – click here

HYDROGEN

Why Cheap Renewables Have Not Made Green Hydrogen Cheap – and How H2Pro DWE Is Built for Intermittent Power
A new H2Pro whitepaper examines the limitations of conventional electrolyzers and proposes a pathway towards lower-cost green hydrogen. Source: Hydrogen Central – click here

BIOMASS/BIOFUELS

MOL Group adding biomethane unit to Hungarian biogas plant
The new facility will be capable of producing more than seven million cubic metres of biomethane annually. Source: Ship Energy – click here

FuelEU Maritime regulation drives increase in Gasum’s bio-LNG sales
Gasum reports that FuelEU Maritime has become a significant driver of bio-LNG demand. Source: Ship Energy – click here

Verde Marine Energy now fully RED III compliant
The fuel supplier has renewed its ISCC EU certification and achieved full RED III compliance. Source: Ship Energy – click here

CARBON CAPTURE

MODEC and Eld embark on next-gen carbon capture-enabled FPSO power system
The companies are developing a 1.2 MW carbon capture power system for future zero-emission FPSOs. Source: Offshore Energy – click here

TECHNOLOGIES

Echandia launches new LTO battery system
The Swedish company has launched a marine battery system based on lithium-titanium-oxide technology.Source: Ship Energy – click here

Seafair and Laskaridis Shipping Collaborate on AI-Powered Compliance Engine for SMS Audits
The partnership aims to automate audit and safety management system processes using artificial intelligence. Source: Splash247 – click here

The boundless promise and fragile foundations of AI at sea
An assessment of the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI adoption in shipmanagement. Source: Splash247 – click here

Powering the transition: the expanding role of batteries in shipping
Batteries are becoming a core enabler of shipping’s decarbonisation as the industry transitions to cleaner energy systems, according to William Nyström of Foreship by RINA.Source: Lloyd’s List – click here

DECARBONISATION

ABS releases Nuclear-Ready Notation
ABS says its new notation establishes a pathway for marine and offshore assets considering future nuclear energy conversion. Source: Ship Energy – click here

Consortium to establish Brazil-Europe green shipping corridor
A new consortium will work to establish a green shipping corridor between the Port of Açu and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Source: Splash247 – click here

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES

BY INTERCARGO- April 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- 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