A new alliance of shipowners, fuel suppliers and maritime technology developers in the United Kingdom was launched on Tuesday, aiming to help facilitate the transition of the shipping industry to lower-carbon fuels.
The UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition will seek to address the biggest challenges in connection to maritime decarbonisation and ensure the UK has ample supply, sustainable infrastructure and the applicable policy framework to support the sector’s goal of net-zero shipping.
The UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association announced the launch of the coalition along with other members that included the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, Carbon Capture and Storage Association, eFuel Alliance, Hydrogen UK, International Bunker Industry Association, MI – The Global Methanol Alliance, Renewable Transport Fuel Association, SEA-LNG and UK Ammonia Alliance.
Access to alternative fuels
In a statement, Rhett Hatcher, chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said that the group was formed to turn the ambition of full access to alternative fuels in the maritime industry into reality.
Hatcher noted that the UK’s public and private sectors should team up to facilitate proper investment in fuels, infrastructure and new technologies.
The alliance aims to co-ordinate industry action to support the shipping sector’s energy transition and provide evidence-based input into the UK government’s forthcoming consultation on domestic maritime fuel regulation.
It also seeks to champion a technology-neutral approach that supports investment in alternative fuels, port infrastructure and enabling technologies and calls for UK emissions trading system maritime revenues to be directed towards maritime decarbonisation, including fuel production, port infrastructure and deployment.
READ MORE: Australia wants choice to ‘opt out’ of social media algorithms
Alliance seeks industry coordination
For his part, Dr Edmund Hughes, IBIA representative to the International Maritime Organization, said the formation of the new coalition provides an excellent opportunity for the bunker industry and other shipping stakeholders to recommend insights that would help create better regulations in the development of alternative fuels for ocean-going vessels.
Chris Huhne, chair of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, expressed hope that the group will ensure a practical and sustainable future for UK shipping.
On the other hand, Jon Hood, policy manager at Renewable Transport Fuel Association, noted that the alliance will help underpin the close collaboration necessary between fuel producers, fuel suppliers and the shipping industry to achieve the successful shift to lower carbon fuels.
The coalition will meet regularly, with the UK Chamber of Shipping and CLIA serving as joint facilitators.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: LIV Golf files for bankruptcy protection as it seeks to enter ‘next chapter’
James Mario Ajero 
Andre Alfonso R. Gutierrez 
Mary Mae Balasanos