Microalgae oil is emerging as a promising low-carbon marine fuel. Engine testing of pure and blended Schizochytrium fuel demonstrated significant reductions in NOx and carbon monoxide emissions despite efficiency and fuel-consumption trade-offs at higher loads. The findings highlight renewable biofuels’ potential to support cleaner shipping and emissions compliance efforts globally.

Meeting IMO emissions goals requires more than efficiency technologies. This analysis examines speed reductions, wind propulsion, alternative fuels, waste-derived energy sources, and renewable fuel availability. It highlights supply-chain constraints, transitional pathways, and the growing role of shipping as a major future liquid-fuel consumer, shaping decarbonisation strategies worldwide over coming decades.