Italy’s energy firm Eni, shipbuilding and repairing company Fincantieri, and RINA, the international engineering consultancy and inspector, have unveiled a new study to support the decarbonisation of the maritime transport sector.
The “Sustainable Maritime Transport Outlook,” has been developed with technical support from Bain & Company Italy.
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It provides a global overview of the options, impacts, and investments needed for a more sustainable maritime industry and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The report is part of an agreement signed by Eni, Fincantieri, and RINA in March 2024 which aimed to establish a global observatory to track and assess sustainable decarbonisation solutions for the maritime sector.
Eni industrial transformation chief operating officer Giuseppe Ricci said: “A year ago, together with Fincantieri and RINA, we committed to developing a global observatory focused on the evolving landscape of sustainable decarbonisation solutions for the maritime sector.
“This study — the result of combined expertise, resources, and technologies from key industry players — has produced a clear and actionable framework that can guide the development and implementation of impactful initiatives to decarbonise maritime transport across various segments, while considering the full supply chain.”
The maritime industry, responsible for approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions, is working towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
The study outlines a roadmap to reduce uncertainty for investors and provide economically viable solutions for the sector.
The study offers a global overview of decarbonisation options, considering vessel types and regional differences.
It assesses cost implications for shipowners and investment needs across logistics and port infrastructure.
Fincantieri CEO and general manager Pierroberto Folgiero stated: “Decarbonising maritime transport is a challenge that demands industrial vision and the ability to turn innovation into real-world solutions.
“The Sustainable Maritime Transport Outlook presented today marks a strategic step in that direction — an integrated analysis grounded in real data and scenarios, developed with the support of leading players across the sector.
“This is also the foundation for our commitment to establish a global observatory, reinforcing our role in driving the transition toward lower environmental impact, while creating value and ensuring competitiveness throughout the entire ship lifecycle.”
In the short term, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels have been identified as key options for reducing emissions. While LNG has lower carbon intensity, it requires significant infrastructure investments, according to the study.
Biofuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can be used without infrastructure upgrades, whereas fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) face limitations in pure form.
Looking ahead, the study suggests that biofuels, including bio-LNG and biomethanol, will continue to be vital for the merchant shipping sector.
It also predicts that synthetic fuels and hydrogen will become more competitive for certain applications, such as powering low- and medium-power cruise ships, as the technology and supply chains evolve.
