The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) predicts that the global shipping industry will operate with a diverse range of fuel options for a considerable duration. Ang Wee Keong, the MPA's chief executive, stated on June 10 that this extended multi-fuel transition is a direct result of several challenges. These include the lack of uniform international regulations, the uneven readiness of bunkering infrastructure across different ports, and the inconsistent availability of alternative fuels.
This fragmentation means that a single, dominant green fuel pathway is unlikely to emerge quickly. Instead, carriers will need to manage fleets capable of running on conventional fuels, LNG, methanol, and potentially ammonia or hydrogen, depending on trade routes and port capabilities. For freight forwarders and operations managers, this implies increased complexity in vessel selection and scheduling, as not all vessels will be able to refuel with their preferred alternative fuel at every port. It could also lead to variations in bunker costs and surcharges depending on the fuel type and region, impacting overall freight rates and requiring more detailed planning for sustainable shipping options.
