Shipfuels Matrix – Merit Mapping of Maritime Alternative Fuels
Report no. 13/26: The decarbonisation of the maritime sector represents a challenge in the global transition to a low-carbon energy system. As a key enabler of international trade, maritime shipping underpins global economic activity while contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that must be significantly reduced in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Achieving deep reductions by 2050 requires the large-scale deployment of alternative fuels, supported by the transformation of fuel production, supply chains, infrastructure and vessel technologies. A wide range of alternative fuel options is under development, but these pathways differ significantly in terms of GHG performance, energy efficiency, feedstock requirements, technological maturity and operational characteristics. At the same time, available information is often fragmented, making it challenging for stakeholders to compare options and make informed decisions.
In this context, the Shipfuels Matrix has been developed as a common, data-driven framework to support the consistent evaluation of alternative maritime fuel pathways. Jointly commissioned by Concawe, Aramco and CMA CGM, it provides a structured basis for comparing fuels across multiple criteria and use cases. The Shipfuels Matrix enables a comprehensive well-to-wake assessment, covering the full value chain from feedstock production to end use in marine applications. It allows comparison of pathways based on key performance indicators, including GHG emissions, process efficiency, feedstock availability, technology maturity and fuel properties.
The analysis highlights that GHG performance varies widely across fuel pathways and is determined by the combination of feedstock, conversion process and energy input. While many pathways enable substantial GHG reductions, particularly those based on biogenic wastes and residues or low-carbon energy sources, the use of an alternative fuel does not inherently guarantee emissions reductions. The results show that process efficiency, feedstock availability, technology maturity and operational characteristics can differ significantly across pathways, reinforcing the importance of assessing performance at pathway level rather than by fuel alone.
The results confirm that there is no single optimal fuel solution. A range of pathways will be required to address different vessel types, operating conditions, resource availability and infrastructure constraints. The Shipfuels Matrix provides a flexible framework to support this transition by enabling consistent comparison of alternative fuel pathways. As a living tool, it will be updated periodically to reflect technological developments, new data and evolving regulatory frameworks, supporting informed dialogue and evidence-based decision-making across the maritime sector.