Shipping leaves a large ecological footprint: the propulsion engines are largely dependent on energy sources that produce climate-damaging CO2 when burnt. In addition to hydrogen and methanol, ammonia is also considered a more climate-friendly substitute fuel.

The leading shipping associations intend to establish an international fund with a volume of five billion US dollars to drive forward the reduction of CO2 emissions – the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) announced.

Maritime transport accounts for a significant portion of global CO₂ emissions. Commissioned by a shipping company, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) investigated how this could be changed. They see considerable potential in electric propulsion systems and in hydrogen and ammonia-based fuels.