The UK shipping industry is at a significant crossroads as it seeks to adopt zero-emission fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. Recent research led by Domagoj Baresic from the UCL Energy Institute highlights the importance of identifying optimal locations for the early adoption of these fuels. With the UK government pushing for decarbonisation and aiming for all new vessels to have zero-emission capabilities by 2025, this research provides critical insights into how the maritime sector can transition effectively.
Baresic’s study emphasizes that not all regions in the UK are equally suited for adopting hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels. By analyzing a combination of documentary evidence, a database of UK ship voyages, and interviews with key stakeholders, the research identifies specific locations where the transition could thrive. Notably, regions like Orkney in the north of Scotland, the Solent-Isle of Wight in the south, and the Felixstowe-Harwich area in the east are highlighted as having strong potential for early adoption.
The findings underscore the concept of “clusters,” which refers to geographical concentrations of interconnected businesses and institutions. These clusters can facilitate the development of necessary infrastructure and services for low-carbon fuels. “The richness of local attributes in a great many sites was observed, and some areas of lower industrial density offer unique local opportunities,” Baresic notes, emphasizing the potential for domestic ferries and fishing vessels to lead the charge in adopting renewable energy resources.
For maritime professionals, this research opens up commercial opportunities in several ways. Firstly, there is a growing demand for infrastructure development to support hydrogen and ammonia fueling stations at ports. Companies involved in construction, engineering, and energy supply can find new avenues for growth. Additionally, vessel manufacturers and retrofitting service providers may see increased business as shipping companies seek to comply with new regulations and transition to zero-emission technologies.
The study also points to the need for collaboration across borders, suggesting that future analyses should consider interactions between UK ports and those in neighboring countries like Ireland, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. This could lead to innovative partnerships and the development of cross-border shipping routes that prioritize sustainability.
As the UK aims for a net-zero target by 2050 and the creation of low-carbon clusters by 2030, understanding the socio-technical dynamics of fuel transitions becomes crucial. Baresic’s research, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, provides a roadmap for the maritime sector to navigate this complex landscape, ensuring that the transition to low-carbon marine fuels is not only viable but also commercially advantageous.
