111 challenges around green methanol supply, and concerns about lifecycle emissions. Hydrogen also offers potential but remains a long-term prospect. The energy required to produce it, the need for ultra-clean fuel supply, and issues of storage and safety mean that hydrogen applications, particularly for larger vessels, are still in their infancy. Nevertheless, promising developments are underway, including hybrid concepts blending hydrogen with LNG. The industry is also taking a renewed look at turbine technologies, which may offer a viable hydrogen pathway. Nuclear power seems to have great potential too, considering the long-term goals of harmful emission reduction in the maritime industry. Although nuclear power is not yet a viable option and the waste issue still needs to be tackled, it is one of the technologies able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 per cent. Today, LNG remains the most proven and pragmatic solution for cruise newbuilds. Its safety record is strong, infrastructure is expanding and emissions are significantly reduced compared to conventional fuels. However, methane slip remains a critical challenge, and impending International Maritime Organization regulations could place a cost burden on operators unless technical mitigations are in place. Bio-LNG, and even LNG blended with hydrogen, may offer a way forwards, but these solutions are still developing. For ferries, especially those on shortsea operations, full electrification makes increasing sense. Smaller distances, port access and growing grid infrastructure support the transition to electric power. Hybridisation, whereby conventional engines are combined with batteries or fuel cells, is already showing value for peak shaving and optimising engine load profiles. One often overlooked but increasingly relevant option is wind propulsion. We are witnessing a renaissance in this space, particularly for smaller expedition vessels. Wind is a clean, silent and freely available energy source, albeit one that requires precise operational planning. Similarly, solar power may offer some support for auxiliary loads, although its efficacy is limited by environmental conditions and maintenance demands. Looking to the future, the risks to shipowners are as much commercial as they are technical. Choosing a fuel or system that cannot be supported in the vessel’s trading region, or that falls short of evolving regulatory requirements, could lead to significant penalties and retrofit costs. At RINA, our role is to help clients navigate this uncertainty. We offer objective insights, risk analysis and guidance tailored to each vessel’s operational profile. The overriding message is this: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The path to decarbonisation will be as diverse as the fleets it transforms. What shipowners need today is not just technical advice, but also a trusted partner with the flexibility, foresight and knowledge to support them through each stage of their sustainability journey. At RINA, we are proud to be part of that journey, sharing our expertise, remaining open to innovation and helping ensure that the ships of tomorrow are not only compliant, but also truly future-ready. “ The path to decarbonisation will be as diverse as the fleets it transforms”
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