The Motorship Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference

The Motorship Propulsion & Future Fuels (PFF) Conference 2026 will take place in Hamburg, Germany, from 8-10 December – one week later than originally planned, to avoid any overlap with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting.

The programme will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions focused on the latest developments in efficient propulsion technology and low flashpoint, low carbon fuels. The conference will open with a discussion panel featuring Wolfram Guntermann, Hapag-Lloyd’s director of regulatory affairs, who will discuss any new environmental initiatives and legislation emerging from the IMO’s MEPC85 meeting in late November.

Throughout the conference, speakers and panellists will aim to provide delegates with immediate insights into the latest guidelines and outcomes from MEPC85, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about and engage in meaningful discussions on shipping’s future regulatory and technical landscape.

Lars Robert Pedersen, deputy secretary general of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), will return as co-chair alongside Dr Markus Munz, managing director of VDMA Large Engines, who will co-chair the event for the first time. “Hydrogen, eco-fuels, ammonia, methanol, carbon capture and storage, wind-assisted and nuclear-powered technologies are shaping crucial decisions today,” said Munz. “At the PFF Conference, experts share insights and hands-on experience to explore practical solutions driving the maritime industry forward.”

Moderators include Philipp Simmank, technical advisor for climate, marine research and digitalisation at the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) and Gavin Allwright, secretary of the International Windship Association.

Find out more about The Motorship Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference on the dedicated website.