Pioneering an Eco-Friendly Voyage: Shipping Giants Invest in Hydrogen-Based Fuels

Shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and North Sea Container Line have secured a tender to begin using hydrogen-derived low-emission fuels on container ships from 2027. This initiative aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the shipping industry, supported by the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance and companies like Amazon and IKEA.

In a groundbreaking move towards a greener future, shipping companies Hapag-Lloyd and North Sea Container Line will commence using low-emission fuels derived from hydrogen for container ships starting in 2027. This initiative, set to last for at least three years, aims to cut down CO2 emissions in the shipping industry.

The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance, supported by notable companies including Amazon, IKEA, and Nike, organized this tender to promote the use of cleaner fuels. Hapag-Lloyd is set to power five large ships with 70,000 metric tons of e-methanol, whereas NCL will utilize 25,000 metric tons of e-ammonia for a smaller vessel, as confirmed by the companies.

This voluntary initiative corresponds with the International Maritime Organization's recent decision to delay a global carbon price. With companies ready to pay premium prices, the shipping sector faces the challenge and opportunity to adapt to low-emission fuels, requiring substantial retrofits on current vessels or investment in new ones equipped for such technology.

(With inputs from agencies.)