As 2025 unfolds, the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. With stricter IMO regulations and the EU ETS in full effect, shipping companies are accelerating their green transitions. Here are the 5 major trends defining decarbonization this year.

1. The Rise of Green Methanol

Methanol has emerged as a frontrunner for alternative fuels. Major carriers like Maersk and COSCO have significant orderbooks for methanol-dual-fuel vessels. 2025 sees the delivery of dozens of these ships, accompanied by a push to secure green methanol supply chains.

2. Ammonia-Ready Vessels

While safety concerns remain, ammonia is gaining traction as a potential zero-carbon fuel. “Ammonia-ready” newbuilds are becoming standard for forward-thinking owners who want to future-proof their assets for when the technology matures later this decade.

3. Wind Propulsion Comeback

It’s not just sails of the past. High-tech rotor sails, wing sails, and kite systems are being retrofitted onto bulkers and tankers at record rates. These systems offer immediate fuel savings of 5-20%, making them an attractive compliance tool for CII ratings.

4. Carbon Capture Onboard

Onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is moving from pilot projects to commercial reality. For existing vessels running on conventional fuels, CCS offers a lifeline to meet emission targets without replacing the entire engine system.

5. Data-Driven Efficiency

Decarbonization isn’t just about hardware; it’s about software. AI-driven route optimization and “Just-In-Time” arrival systems are drastically reducing fuel consumption by eliminating unnecessary waiting times at anchorages.