Page 147 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

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The investment and financial landscape
Decarbonisation is not just a technical challenge; it
is also an economic one. The scale of transforma-
tion needed to meet global climate targets requires
substantial investment. Governments can create
favourable conditions through policy frameworks,
but private investors, financial institutions, and
industry stakeholders must also contribute. Inno-
vative financing mechanisms, partnerships, and
risk-sharing models will be essential to bridging
the funding gap.
Initiatives such as the EU’s FuelEU Maritime reg-
ulation demonstrate how collaboration can foster
the adoption of alternative fuels and technology by
distributing the financial burden across fleets. Such
financial collaborations can significantly accelerate
progress while spreading risk among participants.

Energy efficiency in existing fleets
With the limited supply of several carbon-neutral
fuels and the transition to an alternative-fuelled
fleet taking time, other decarbonisation solutions
are required. Energy-efficiency technologies and
measures provide cost-efficient and predictable
pathways to emissions reduction while also reduc-
ing demand for carbon-neutral fuels. The business
cases for using energy-saving technologies may
now be better when evaluated against the cost of
alternatives rather than conventional ship fuels.
Technical and operational energy-efficiency mea-
sures can be underpinned by growth in the pres-
ence and sophistication of digital technologies
and systems. Digitalisation can add much-needed
transparency in vessel performance, providing vital
The push for maritime decarbonisation is closely data that can measure the impact of energy-saving
tied to political will and regulatory frameworks. measures and helping to design and operate the
Governments around the world are beginning to next generation of energy-efficient ships. In a new
implement more ambitious climate policies spurred age of emissions reporting, digital verification tools
by societal demand for sustainability. These reg- can help to create an infrastructure of trust, boost-
ulations—such as carbon pricing, emissions tar- ing industry-wide collaboration and facilitating new
gets, and renewable energy incentives—are shap- contractual arrangements incentivising energy-ef-
ing industry investments. However, the pace of ficiency measures.
regulatory changes varies by region, impacting DNV studies estimate that shipping could reduce
how quickly the maritime sector can adapt to new fuel consumption in 2030 by 4% to 16% from oper-
requirements. ational and technical energy-efficiency measures
Discussions at the IMO clearly demonstrate the compared to a business-as-usual scenario.
challenges of adopting measures that satisfy all
member states, as each country has its own agenda A collaborative effort toward a sustainable future
aimed at protecting its national interests. Decarbonisation requires the collective effort of
At DNV, we believe that decarbonisation requires shipowners, shipyards, technology providers, reg-
collaboration across the board—from policymakers ulatory bodies, and environmental organisations.
to industry leaders and society at large. Our role is From shipbuilding to fleet management, all players
to support businesses in navigating this evolving in the maritime industry must commit to sustain-
regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while ability. Shipowners must invest in future-proofing
helping them meet their sustainability goals. their fleets, shipyards need to integrate energy-effi-

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