Efficiency is the transitional fuel

A cut in fuel costs of 53%, achieved without switching to a single alternative fuel. That is the headline finding from Odfjell Ship Management, the Norwegian chemical tanker operator, and it may be the most compelling argument yet that efficiency, not ammonia, methanol or hydrogen, is the maritime industry’s most practical path to decarbonisation.

The drive to decarbonise shipping has split the industry along sectoral lines. Container shipping lines, closer to consumers, are being pushed by customers seeking to reduce scope 3 emissions. Liquid and dry bulk operators, typically running at lower speeds and on less fixed routes, are less inclined to shift to