Traditional Bunkers Viewed As Dominant Fuel for Coming Decade

A new survey by maritime news outlet Splash in partnership with Inmarsat has revealed that the majority of respondents (53%) believe that traditional bunker fuels will continue to be the dominant fuel for the global merchant fleet for at least the next decade. 

Whilst the findings may seem surprising - particularly given the huge push amongst governments and policymakers for the adoption of alternative fuels - the reality is different. 

According to data from Clarksons Research, less than 8% of the global merchant fleet (in gt terms) is currently alternative fuel capable. However, the forward picture does look more positive, with around half of all ships on order being capable of using alt fuels. 

Whilst there does appear to be enthusiasm for the transition to alternative fuels, a number of underlying factors are creating an atmosphere of uncertainty - chief amongst these the IMO’s proposed carbon levy. 

Commenting on the potential effects of the IMO’s levy at the recent CERAWeek energy conference, Christopher Wiernicki, the chairman and CEO of ABS (a class society), said: 

“A carbon levy is a wild card. It will all depend on how it is implemented and enforced. There’s a huge question mark over whether this will deliver for the industry and there is much still to be decided. .

Will the levy be set at $18, $100, or even $150 per ton? Today, we just don’t know, but this clearly has a significant bearing on a host of factors: operational, investment and asset viability. With the lack of a clear global carbon pricing mechanism, it is no wonder owners are cautious and concerned given the high degree of uncertainty this introduces into the market”.

Potential carbon levies are not the only barriers to the adoption of alternative fuels. More structural barriers such as a lack of bunkering infrastructure and fuel supply and production have also been raised as concerns. As Jason Stefanatos, global decarbonisation director at class society DNV has pointed out: 

“The success of the maritime fuel transition depends on the parallel development of key components like bunkering infrastructure and fuel supply. This can also be enhanced by the implementation of energy efficiency measures, which can both deliver short-term emissions reductions and support the long-term adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels”.

The fuel results of the survey are set to be published in Ship Concept 2035 a magazine produced by Splash and set to be distributed at Nor-Shipping in June 2025. 

Need advice on marine fuel issues? 

Then speak to Brookes Bell’s fuel experts today. We understand bunker fuel is a perennial issue for many vessel owners, charterers and ships’ engineers alike.

Our team includes marine engineers, fuel chemists, laboratory chemists and others who can investigate bunker fuel issues to get the answers you need to achieve a successful resolution. 

Explore Brookes Bell’s fuel and fuel cargo consultancy services now

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