Classification society DNV has projected that the demand for low-emission bunker fuels could see a more than fivefold increase by 2050. This significant rise is contingent on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) successfully advancing and adopting a comprehensive global regulatory framework aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
The IMO's Net-Zero Framework, initially approved in April 2025, has encountered delays in its adoption process. The implementation of such a framework is considered crucial for driving the maritime industry towards its decarbonization goals and encouraging the widespread uptake of alternative, environmentally friendly fuels.
For freight forwarders and their clients, this development signals a potential shift in operational costs and fuel availability. Increased demand for green bunkers, driven by regulation, could lead to higher prices for these fuels and influence carrier choices based on their decarbonization efforts. Forwarders may need to factor in evolving fuel surcharges and consider the environmental credentials of their chosen ocean carriers more closely. It also highlights the growing importance of sustainability in supply chain planning and procurement decisions.
While the source does not specify next steps, the implication is that continued progress on the IMO's regulatory agenda will be key to realizing this projected increase in green bunker demand.
