Regulation Urged to Address Green Fuel Cost Disparity as Dual-Fuel Fleet Expands
While dual-fuel tonnage mitigates immediate fuel availability concerns, sector analysts emphasize that regulatory measures remain essential to bridge the price differential with conventional bunkers.
The increasing uptake of dual-fuel propulsion systems across the commercial shipping fleet is helping operators manage supply uncertainties surrounding alternative marine fuels. By retaining the capability to burn conventional marine fuels alongside lower-emission alternatives, dual-fuel tonnage offers immediate operational flexibility while bunkering infrastructure matures.
However, industry analysts emphasize that dual-fuel capability resolves only a portion of the maritime decarbonisation challenge. Even as engine technology and regional supply avenues progress, alternative fuels continue to trade at a substantial price premium compared to standard fossil fuels.
Maritime specialists note that technical readiness alone will not guarantee the voluntary adoption of higher-cost green fuels during standard operations. Without regulatory mechanisms to bridge the economic gap, shipowners and charterers face commercial hurdles when opting to run vessels on cleaner energy sources.
As a result, attention is increasingly turning toward international regulatory frameworks and economic measures. Sector experts maintain that targeted policy intervention is necessary to level fuel economics, ensure market parity, and incentivize the long-term uptake of green fuels across the global fleet.
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