University of Manchester analysis shows no real alternative fuels currently exist for shipping sector

In the UK, shipping industry needs to move to renewable and alternative fuels to reduce the sector’s impact on the environment.

But there is no widely available fuel to manage climate change and local pollutants according to a recent study by researchers at The University of Manchester.

How the shipping industry’s need to radically reduce its CO2 emissions will a prominent discussion when the International Maritime Organisation’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meets in London from 9-13 April.

The research team says there is a need for alternative fuels in shipping for two main reasons; to reduce local pollutants and comply with regulation and; to mitigate against climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the analysis demonstrates that no widely available fuel exists currently to both reduce the environmental impact and comply with current environmental regulation. Some of the alternative fuel options analysed have the potential, but only if key barriers can be overcome.