The maritime sector is increasingly adopting dual-fuel vessels to mitigate challenges associated with the supply of alternative, greener fuels. However, industry specialists highlight that this technological shift only partially resolves the broader issue. A key impediment to the widespread transition to sustainable shipping remains the substantial cost difference between traditional fossil fuels and eco-friendly alternatives.
For freight forwarders and shippers, this ongoing price disparity means that the operational costs for carriers utilizing green fuels will likely remain higher, potentially translating into increased freight rates or green surcharges. The slow pace of regulatory action to incentivize green fuel adoption or penalize fossil fuel use could prolong the period of price volatility and uncertainty in bunker costs. This situation complicates long-term contract negotiations and budgeting for forwarders, as the cost of sustainable shipping remains unpredictable without clear policy frameworks.
