The Decarb Hub’s latest call to action is a wake-up call for the maritime industry: policy paralysis shouldn’t stall progress. While the IMO’s decarbonisation framework remains a cornerstone, the Hub insists the sector must push ahead—now—on three critical fronts.
First, safety. Zero and near-zero fuels aren’t just a technical challenge; they’re a regulatory and training minefield. The Hub warns that without aligned global standards, the risks of adopting new fuels could outpace the benefits. This isn’t just about updating manuals—it’s about ensuring crews, ports, and insurers are all on the same page. The Hub’s push for a coordinated safety framework could become the industry’s playbook for navigating the transition without leaving anyone behind.
Second, scalability. The Hub isn’t just calling for more pilots—it’s demanding system-level deployment. Isolated trials won’t cut it. The maritime industry needs to move from proof of concept to proof of scalability. This means coordinated infrastructure, supply chains, and operational protocols that can support zero-emission fuels at scale. The Hub’s emphasis on moving beyond “islands of innovation” could finally bridge the gap between lab and lagoon.
Third, equity. Decarbonisation can’t be a privilege for the few. The Hub stresses that all stakeholders—from developing nations to small shipowners—must be included in transition planning. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about ensuring the benefits of decarbonisation are distributed widely enough to drive industry-wide adoption. The Hub’s focus on inclusive policy-making could help avoid a two-speed transition, where only the largest players reap the rewards.
James Forsdyke, Managing Director of the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, put it bluntly: “A delay in the voting process should not become a delay in progress.” This is a rallying cry for the industry to keep moving, even as the IMO’s political wheels turn. The Hub’s research and coalition-building efforts are designed to fill the void, ensuring that evidence-based action, collaboration, and investment don’t stall.
The Hub’s approach is a masterclass in pragmatic advocacy. It’s not waiting for perfection—it’s pushing for progress. By focusing on safety, scalability, and equity, the Hub is setting the stage for a transition that’s not just technologically feasible, but socially and politically viable. The maritime industry would do well to follow its lead.