UMAS evolves to better serve the shipping sector’s decarbonisation needs

UMAS, previously a close collaboration between the UCL Energy Institute shipping research group and UMAS International Ltd., is restructuring to better address the shipping sector’s evolving needs in an era of rapid technological advancements and decarbonisation. As of today, UMAS International will operate under the UMAS brand as an independent technical commercial consultancy, separate from the UCL Energy Institute shipping research group.

Dr. Simon Davies, Managing Director of UMAS International Ltd., commented: “We’re excited to enter a new independent phase for UMAS. Our brand will now represent a focused and adaptive range of services and models that assist stakeholders in navigating the decarbonisation of the shipping, maritime, and related energy sectors. Drawing on our rich heritage and collaborative past, UMAS will continue to provide practical solutions for real-world applications. As an independent consultancy, UMAS is dedicated to supporting the sector’s decarbonisation, helping clients optimize opportunities and minimize risks associated with the energy transition.”

This separation from commercial activities will allow the research group to focus on fundamental research, sharing findings transparently and collaborating with institutions in lower-income countries to promote a just and equitable transition.

Dr. Nishatabbas Rehmatulla, Principal Research Fellow and co-lead of the shipping research group at UCL Energy Institute, remarked: “UMAS has thrived at the intersection of theory, politics, and business during the development of shipping decarbonisation policies. This unique position has enriched both our academic and advisory outputs. Now is the right time to clarify our distinct purposes and prepare for the future, ensuring we remain at the forefront in our respective areas.”

The upcoming years are crucial for shipping’s decarbonisation. With multiple factors driving the transition, the expected finalisation and adoption of the IMO’s mid-term measures and revision of short-term measures next year are anticipated to accelerate investment decisions and commercial transformations. Earlier analysis by UMAS suggests that achieving the decarbonisation pathway outlined in the IMO’s Revised Strategy in 2023 will require around $400 billion in global investment in new technology and energy supply chains by 2030.

Despite operating independently, UCL Energy Institute and UMAS International will continue to collaborate on reports, projects, and knowledge exchange, maintaining the comprehensive understanding of decarbonisation that has been vital to their development.