Accelleron Urges Shipping Industry to Embrace Hydrogen
Accelleron has launched its inaugural maritime decarbonization report during the London International Shipping Week (LISW25), calling on the shipping sector to engage with the global hydrogen economy. The report, titled “Deadlock: What’s Stopping Shipping’s Carbon-Neutral Fuel Transition?”, highlights the need for collaboration across industries to drive demand for carbon-neutral fuels. It emphasizes that while efficiency measures can help meet short-term carbon reduction targets, a shift to green hydrogen-based fuels is essential for achieving long-term net-zero goals.
Decarbonization Challenges and Solutions
Accelleron’s report identifies significant challenges facing the shipping industry in its quest for decarbonization. It argues that while immediate efficiency improvements, such as vessel retrofits and digital solutions, can reduce emissions by over 30% by 2030—exceeding the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets—these measures alone are insufficient for deeper decarbonization. The report stresses that to reach net-zero emissions, the industry must transition to green hydrogen fuels, which are currently limited in availability and high in cost.
The report reveals that the shipping industry cannot tackle this issue in isolation. It highlights the necessity for shipping to collaborate with other hard-to-abate sectors, including steel, fertilizer, and power generation. By aggregating demand for carbon-neutral fuels, these industries can create a critical mass that reduces the risks associated with large-scale hydrogen projects. This collaborative approach is essential for attracting the necessary investment to scale up hydrogen production, which is currently lagging behind demand projections.
Lloyd’s Register commissioned research reveals the rapid rise of AI in maritime
Accelleron’s CEO, Daniel Bischofberger, emphasizes the importance of partnership in achieving net-zero goals. He notes that shipping has a long history of connecting cultures and overcoming challenges through collaboration. The report outlines that by 2050, the shipping sector alone will require between 100 to 150 million tons of green hydrogen annually. However, the current pipeline for green hydrogen production is only about 38 million tons, supported by less than $320 billion in committed investment.
In conclusion, Accelleron aims for its report to stimulate action within the shipping industry and beyond. By positioning itself as a leader in the global energy transition, the shipping sector can play a pivotal role in driving the demand for sustainable fuels, ultimately contributing to a greener future.
