The marine industry, as a cornerstone of global trade and transportation, is facing increasing pressure to decarbonize as part of the global push toward achieving net-zero emissions. With shipping accounting for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, innovative solutions are urgently needed to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint. Two technologies are emerging as potential game-changers in this effort: green hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, is gaining traction as a clean alternative fuel for the shipping industry. Unlike traditional marine fuels such as heavy fuel oil, green hydrogen emits no carbon dioxide when used, making it an ideal solution for reducing emissions in the maritime sector.
Hydrogen can be utilized directly in fuel cells or converted into ammonia, a more energy-dense fuel that is easier to store and transport.
Major shipping companies and ports are already exploring hydrogen-powered vessels and ammonia bunkering facilities, with pilot projects underway in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
At the same time, carbon capture and storage is emerging as a complementary technology to address emissions from existing vessels and infrastructure. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions at their source—such as from ship engines or port facilities—and storing them underground in geological formations.
This technology can serve as a transitional solution, enabling the marine industry to reduce its carbon footprint while the adoption of green hydrogen and other alternative fuels scales up. Additionally, onboard carbon capture systems are being developed to retrofit existing fleets, providing a pathway for older ships to comply with tightening emissions regulations.
The integration of green hydrogen and CCS has the potential to revolutionise the marine industry. For instance, green hydrogen production facilities can be co-located with CCS infrastructure, capturing and storing emissions from hydrogen production processes that rely on natural gas during the transition phase.
This hybrid approach ensures progress toward decarbonization while addressing current technological and economic challenges.
CCS also presents a potential opportunity for shipowners and builders, with carriers of liquefied CO2 likely to be required in order to ensure efficient transport of significant volumes from the sites of production to those of injection.
One of the world-leading CCS projects, Northern Lights in Norway, in which Equinor, Shell and Total are partnering, is already employing such technology.
By 2027 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is due to implement a 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions target, and green hydrogen and CCS are poised to play pivotal roles. By investing in these technologies, the marine industry can chart a course toward a cleaner, more sustainable future while maintaining its critical role in global trade.
