The Getting to Zero Coalition’s updated Mapping of Zero Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects uncovers emerging trends, sees a strong climb in the number of identified projects as well as increased activities in Asia.
The uptake of zero emission pilots and demonstration projects is a fundamental component of the maritime industry’s transition to zero emission fuels. The Getting to Zero Coalition’s biannual Mapping of Zero Emission Pilots and Demonstration Projects outlines the spread and scope of existing zero emission projects, encompassing the full value chain of technologies needed to facilitate shipping’s transition to zero emission fuels. The second edition sees a significant increase in the number of identified projects – up from 66 to 106 – focusing on ship technologies, fuel production as well as bunkering and recharging facilities.
“Our mapping aims to support potential first movers in kickstarting shipping’s zero emission future. By making the full list of projects publicly available today, frontrunners can draw upon learnings from other projects and improve confidence in undertaking new innovations that will get the industry on a zero emission path,” said Jesse Fahnestock, project director at the Global Maritime Forum and lead of the Getting to Zero Coalition’s Motivating First Movers workstream.
Three trends indicate increasing focus on hydrogen based fuels
Three trends emerge from the 106 projects that are categorised by their project focus, project type, fuel choice, geographical location, and the existence of public funding. 2020 has seen a notable increase in the uptake of large ammonia vessels. Ten large ammonia demonstration projects have been launched, bringing the total to 14. For small ship projects, there is a continuing trend towards exploring hydrogen and battery power or a combination of the two. For fuel production projects, the mapping shows a preference towards Power-to-X fuel production with hydrogen as an input.
“We see an increased specialisation in small and large ship technology projects. There is an uptake in hydrogen based ship technology projects, but particularly in ammonia projects. For fuel production projects, we see a continued trend towards hydrogen based Power-to-X fuel production,” said Jesse Fahnestock. “In the last 6 months, around 10 per cent of the projects have increase in size or ambition or moved from the concept study stage to the demonstration stage. This shows a tangible move towards raising ambition and scaling up existing projects”…
