GreenVoyage2050 Low Carbon GIA launches guide for alternative marine fuel producers
A new guide for alternative marine fuel producers and project developers has been launched to accelerate the development of zero- and near-zero GHG emission fuels for shipping and strengthen investor confidence in emerging projects. Developed by the Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA), under the GreenVoyage2050 programme, the resource includes a practical questionnaire designed to help project developers assess project readiness, identify potential gaps and better understand the information typically sought by investors, regulators, fuel purchasers and certification bodies.
As the maritime sector works towards the ambitions of the IMO GHG Strategy, increasing volumes of alternative marine fuels will be needed to support the transition towards net-zero emissions. While many promising fuel projects are emerging around the world, project developers often face challenges in demonstrating project maturity, sustainability credentials and commercial viability to potential investors and other stakeholders.
The guide aims to support project developers throughout the project lifecycle, from early concept development through to implementation and market introduction. Through a structured review of technical, commercial and sustainability considerations, the accompanying questionnaire can help developers assess project readiness, identify areas requiring further development, strengthen project planning and improve engagement with investors and other stakeholders.
“This questionnaire covers the key aspects of developing a maritime fuel project, from early concept through to market introduction,” said Robert Masse, Lead of the Low Carbon GIA Alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels workstream. “By helping project developers understand what information is important for stakeholders and investors, this resource can support more informed decision-making, accelerate project development and contribute to the maritime energy transition.”
The document is structured around five key areas:
- Fuel project overview: project characteristics, feedstocks and core attributes;
- Project execution: project lifecycle stage, execution plan, project team, and location-specific considerations;
- Technical feasibility: technology readiness, production processes and scalability.
- Sustainability and regulatory considerations: GHG reduction potential, sustainability certification and regulatory alignment; and
- Commercial feasibility: market potential, project economics, and financial viability.
The development of the guide benefited from contributions by sustainable fuel certification bodies, including the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification Association (ISCC) and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials Association (RSB).
Download the full guide here.
Users are encouraged to provide feedback and share their experience in applying the guide to new fuel projects via the Contact us page.
About the GreenVoyage2050 Low Carbon GIA
The Global Industry Alliance to Support Low Carbon Shipping (Low Carbon GIA) is a public-private partnership initiative under the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Programme. It brings together maritime industry leaders to identify and address common barriers to shipping decarbonization through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
The Low Carbon GIA develops practical tools and resources to support the uptake of energy efficiency technologies, alternative fuels and other low-carbon solutions, helping accelerate the maritime sector’s transition towards net-zero emissions.
For more information, visit the Low Carbon GIA webpage.
