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The search for the best fuel options
Scrubbers and HFO are by far the most popular current alternatives to LSFO/MGO. LNG is making inroads as a more sustainable fuel, while batteries are mostly used in short-sea shipping. Methanol, LPG and hydrogen are still in their infancy as pioneer alternative fuels. Hydrogen from renewable sources is a potential zero-GHG option.
Rechargeable batteries are a great zero-emission energy source for short-range ferries and other short-sea applications. They can also help reduce fuel consumption and emissions by acting as a “spinning reserve” replacing an auxiliary engine, and/or as a “peak shaving” energy source to optimize engine loads.
Zero sulphur and particle emissions, relatively low NOX, reduced GHG emissions, and falling fuel prices make LNG an attractive option for newbuilds. The number of adopters has increased steadily.
Although their number is rising fast, still relatively few ships of the 70,000-strong global fleet have installed scrubbers to enable continued operation on HFO after 2020.