Technological, operational and energy pathways for maritime transport to reduce emissions towards 2050 (Concawe Review 31.1)

This article provides a summary of a ‘deep dive’ study into the future development of emissions from international maritime transport. The study is part of Concawe’s Low Carbon Pathways project, and has been undertaken by Ricardo on behalf of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) and Concawe.

The context for the study is the International Maritime Organization’s level of ambition to reduce the total carbon emissions from international shipping by 50% in 2050 compared to 2008 levels, as well as reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 (again compared to a 2008 base year). The study reviewed available literature, and interviewed multiple stakeholders, to identify the technologies and alternative fuels that are available to decarbonise international shipping.