In a historic move towards decarbonizing the maritime industry, green hydrogen producers have committed to supplying 11 million tons of low-emission fuel for the shipping sector by 2030.
This Joint Commitment, organized by the UN High Level Champions and RMI, garnered support from thirty leaders in the shipping sectors, spanning cargo owners, ship operators, ports, bunkering companies, and equipment manufacturers. The agreement, signed at COP28 on December 6, aims to accelerate the use of renewable hydrogen-derived shipping fuel to meet ambitious industry decarbonization targets.
The commitment is a response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s 2023 Strategy, outlining targets for fuel use, fleet development, and port infrastructure crucial for the scaling of the green hydrogen industry. To comply with legally binding international regulations taking effect in 2027, the maritime sector must witness rapid and large-scale adoption of zero-emission fuels. The commitment sets a milestone, aligning with the IMO’s strategy and positioning the maritime industry as a pivotal consumer of green hydrogen-derived fuels.
Green hydrogen, a key focus of the commitment, is anticipated to be a cornerstone in the transition to cleaner shipping. MAN Energy Solutions’ CEO, Uwe Lauber, emphasizes the pivotal role of shipping, consuming approximately 300 million tons of conventional fuels annually, as an ideal enabler for a hydrogen ramp-up. The commitment resonates with the ongoing efforts to advance green hydrogen production, with MAN Energy Solutions subsidiary, H-TEC SYSTEMS, building a manufacturing facility for PEM electrolysis stacks.
The commitment outlines a clear pathway for the maritime sector to achieve its decarbonization goals. In the short term, the goal is to supply 11 million tons of low-emission fuel by 2030, addressing immediate industry needs. Looking ahead, a decarbonized global shipping sector is poised to become a significant demand source for green hydrogen, projecting to represent approximately 15% of total demand by 2050.
