Joint Statement
Access to alternative maritime fuels is a key priority for the decarbonisation of the UK shipping sector. Current production capacity and future maritime supply remain in development, making closer coordination between shipping, fuel producers, technology providers and government essential.
The UK Government’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy demonstrates the ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from domestic maritime by 2050 and emphasises the role of clean fuels and innovative technologies in achieving this transition.
Developing reliable production, certification and supply infrastructure pathways, as well as innovative maritime technologies to enable vessels to transition to alternative maritime fuels and solutions like onboard carbon capture, will be essential to supporting the UK’s maritime decarbonisation pathway.
The UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition will strengthen collaboration between the maritime, fuel and technology sectors; identify shared barriers; and develop practical policy recommendations to support investment, production and deployment. The Coalition will support a technology- and fuel-neutral policy approach based on robust lifecycle emissions assessment and verifiable performance.
The undersigned representatives of the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), eFuel Alliance, Hydrogen UK, IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association, Methanol Institute, Renewable Transport Fuel Association, SEA-LNG, the UK Ammonia Alliance and the UK Chamber of Shipping have agreed on the objectives and principles of the Coalition:
• Coordinated action to support and advocate for the shipping industry’s energy transition needs.
• Providing evidence-based input into the UK Government’s forthcoming consultation on domestic maritime fuel regulation.
• Ensuring that an appropriate share of UK ETS maritime revenues is directed towards maritime decarbonisation, including alternative fuel production, port infrastructure and deployment.
The Coalition agreed to hold regular meetings, with the UK Chamber of Shipping and CLIA as joint facilitators.
This initiative draws on a similar cross-sector platform convened by the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA), in which several Coalition participants are also engaged.
Quotes from Coalition Members
“Shipping’s transition to lower-emissions fuels depends on those fuels being available at scale, in the places ships need them, supported by the necessary infrastructure and a policy framework that encourages investment and innovation. This Coalition brings the maritime, fuel and technology sectors together to help identify practical solutions and support a technology- and fuel-neutral approach based on lifecycle emissions performance.” – Andy Harmer, Executive Director, CLIA in the UK & Ireland
“Access to alternative fuels is one of the defining challenges for the future of UK shipping. This Coalition brings together the companies and organisations needed to turn ambition into delivery. If the UK wants to lead on maritime decarbonisation, industry and government must work together to create the right conditions for investment in fuels, infrastructure and new technologies.” – Rhett Hatcher, Chief Executive, UK Chamber of Shipping
“Policy to drive the development by the UK of alternative marine fuel supplies is likely to be distinct from UK policy to stimulate demand for those alternative fuels by shipping. The UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition provides an excellent opportunity for IBIA to provide input to that important consideration.” – Dr Edmund Hughes, IBIA Representative to the IMO
“Shipping is an international industry, and the UK has a key role to play in developing fungible, global markets in alternative marine fuels. SEA-LNG welcomes the opportunity to work with other industry associations on this important initiative.” – Steve Esau, COO, SEA-LNG
“The UK Government regularly states that low-carbon ammonia is one of the most promising clean maritime fuels of the future. As the new Prime Minister looks to increase energy sovereignty and reindustrialise the country, this Coalition has a vital role to play in promoting policies that ensure that maritime has access to the future fuel, infrastructure and technology it needs. The UK Ammonia Alliance looks forward to working closely with our Coalition partners to support the policy development and regulatory certainty needed to stimulate investment, support job creation and establish robust supply chains for alternative fuels.” – UK Ammonia Alliance
“Creating an environment conducive to delivering investments in renewable fuel projects is key to enabling the large-scale energy transition of UK shipping. eFuels will play a prominent role in achieving net-zero targets, but unlocking their full potential requires clear investment signals. The eFuel Alliance is proud to join this Coalition to help build the regulatory framework needed to scale up alternative marine fuels.” – eFuel Alliance
“The decarbonisation of UK maritime will require a technology-neutral approach that supports every credible pathway to net zero. Carbon capture and storage can play an important role in reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, including through the production of alternative maritime fuels and onboard carbon capture. This Coalition provides a valuable forum for industry to work together on the practical infrastructure, policy and investment conditions needed to make low-carbon maritime solutions a reality.” – Mark Sommerfeld, UK Director, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA)
“The transition to lower-carbon shipping will require strong collaboration across the maritime and energy sectors. Hydrogen UK is pleased to be part of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, bringing together fuel producers and the shipping industry to help address our shared challenges, support the development of reliable fuel supply and infrastructure, and inform policies that will strengthen the UK’s energy security.” – Clare Jackson, CEO, Hydrogen UK
“The debate is no longer whether the solutions exist, but how quickly we can scale them. That requires regulatory ambition, a technology-neutral approach that supports all practical, proven solutions like methanol, and collaboration across the maritime value chain. We are delighted to join the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition and look forward to working with our partners to help accelerate the transition to clean shipping.” – Felicia Mester, Managing Director for Europe and IMO, MI – The Global Methanol Alliance
“RTFA and its members stand ready to help drive the decarbonisation of the UK’s maritime sector, where rapid, large-scale uptake of alternative fuels is needed as a matter of urgency. The Coalition will help underpin the close collaboration necessary between fuel producers, fuel suppliers and the shipping industry in achieving that goal.” – Jon Hood, Policy Manager, Renewable Transport Fuel Association
“Shipping is a complex international business, and reducing its carbon footprint needs every tool available. ADBA is pleased to be part of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, as biomethane works now as either a component in a blend or a substitute fuel. Biomethane will help cut the emissions of UK shipping in the short and medium term, in transition and in some niches in the longer term. We look forward to working with industry partners and government to ensure a practical and sustainable future for UK shipping.” – Chris Huhne, Chair, Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association