The uptake of alternative marine fuels will quicken after 2030 as stricter emissions rules take hold, shipping executives told the APPEC conference in Singapore. The transition remains uneven for now, but industry leaders expect a significant shift in the following decade, reported Reuters.

Maersk Oil Trading chief executive Emma Mazhari said the 2030s will bring a major move to low-carbon fuels, driven by regulations such as the European emissions trading scheme and maritime fuel standards.

Mazhari noted increased availability of low-carbon fuel in Europe and said Maersk is now investing only in dual-fuel vessels to ensure long-term flexibility and return on investment.

Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) CEO Takeshi Hashimoto said shipping firms will initially rely on established low-emission fuels like LNG and methanol, while also exploring wind-assisted propulsion.

Hashimoto described the current decarbonisation effort as "stop and go", but said the development of green ammonia, green methanol and biomethane will be vital for long-term sustainability.

The shipping sector is seeking alternatives to oil to meet carbon reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization.

Tata NYK Shipping managing director Amitabh Panda said decarbonisation must remain a strategic priority despite geopolitical instability, though uncertainty complicates investment decisions.