Alternative Fuel
D6. Decarbonization, emissions and alternative fuelsDefinition
Fuel other than conventional fuel oil, including LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.
Alternative marine fuels are the candidates for replacing conventional fuel oil: LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, biofuels, and the e-fuels synthesized from green hydrogen. Each trades off energy density, cost, safety, and lifecycle carbon differently, so the orderbook is split rather than settled on one winner. Methanol and LNG dual-fuel ships dominate current newbuild orders, with ammonia advancing through pilot projects, and the choice is judged on the well-to-wake intensity the IMO and FuelEU Maritime regulate.