The global shipping industry is at a crossroads. With mounting pressure to decarbonize and regulatory frameworks evolving, stakeholders are asking: What’s next for decarbonized shipping?
Caroline Braun addressed this question in her recent talk at the 2025 LNG Bunkering Summit, offering insights into why optimism makes sense and how Bio-LNG can play a pivotal role in the industry’s transition. What follows is a recap of the key points from her presentation, covering regulatory updates, practical decarbonization strategies, and opportunities for shipowners to turn compliance into value.
IMO Net Zero Framework: A Delay, Not a Defeat
The IMO’s Net Zero Framework adoption has been postponed—not cancelled. While immediate certainty would have been ideal, the vote was delayed by a year, and momentum continues within IMO.
Work on the technical details, particularly Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, is ongoing. Once these are finalized, the framework will have far greater clarity than it did last month, paving the way for informed adoption.
Meanwhile, global decarbonization in shipping is not slowing down. Regional and local schemes are already active, reinforcing momentum toward net-zero goals. The question isn’t if decarbonization will happen—it’s how fast and how effectively companies can adapt.
RNG and Biomethane: Practical, Scalable Solutions
One of the most promising pathways is Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)—often referred to as biomethane in Europe. These fuels are not futuristic concepts. They’re available today, proven, and cost-effective. Unlike some emerging technologies that require years of development, RNG and biomethane offer immediate opportunities for compliance and carbon reduction.
Why does this matter? Because shipowners need solutions that work now and scale with their decarbonization demands. RNG and biomethane can be integrated into existing LNG infrastructure, making them accessible and scalable without massive capital investment.
Shipowners Are Already Moving Forward
Despite regulatory uncertainty, leading shipowners are not waiting. Take Hapag-Lloyd, for example. The company recently announced plans to enrich its fleet with 14 methanol dual-fuel vessels, signaling confidence in alternative fuels and a commitment to long-term decarbonization.
This proactive approach reflects a broader trend: companies that plan ahead will gain a competitive advantage as regulations tighten and carbon pricing becomes more aggressive.
FuelEU Maritime: Turning Compliance Into Opportunity
One of the most significant regulatory drivers today is FuelEU Maritime, an EU regulation mandating shipowners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a tiered approach. The first milestone—a 2% reduction mandate—is already in effect for 2025.
Here’s where Bio-LNG shines. It doesn’t just help shipowners meet compliance requirements; it creates value. Overcompliance under FuelEU Maritime can generate a positive compliance balance that can be transferred to other vessels, offset compliance deficits, or banked for future cycles. Conversely, negative compliance balances result in penalty payments.
The framework’s method of compliance transfer, referred to as pooling adds another layer of flexibility. It allows transfers between ships—either within the same fleet or even through agreements between different operators. This mechanism is already creating market opportunities for over compliant shipowners, who can monetize their surplus compliance by helping others meet regulatory targets.
Anew’s Role: Compliance Optimization and Global Supply
At Anew, we’re preparing to combine LNG offerings with compliance optimization strategies, enabling shipowners to unlock new sources of revenue while meeting regulatory targets. Our global approach to RNG and biomethane management ensures supply in both Europe and the U.S., making this relevant for transatlantic shippers who need consistent solutions across jurisdictions.
Our roadmap includes integrating compliance trading and -optimization offerings with our LNG supply chain services—creating a holistic solution for shipowners navigating complex decarbonization frameworks.
Collaboration Across the Value Chain
Decarbonization isn’t just a shipowner challenge. Infrastructure providers, bunkering companies, and other stakeholders along the value chain all play a role. Anew brings expertise across the entire RNG/biomethane production and certification chain, helping partners:
- Navigate current systems like FuelEU Maritime.
- Optimize compliance strategies for regional schemes.
- Prepare for future developments, including the anticipated IMO Net Zero Framework adoption.
By collaborating with Anew, companies position themselves for long-term success—building resilience against regulatory shifts and market volatility.
Why Optimism Is Justified
The postponement of the IMO Net Zero Framework may feel like a setback, but it’s not a signal to pause. Global momentum toward decarbonization is accelerating, and mechanisms like FuelEU Maritime are already shaping the market. RNG and biomethane offer practical, profitable pathways forward, and Bio-LNG is emerging as a cornerstone of compliance and value creation.
For shipowners, the message is clear: start planning now. The companies that act early will not only meet regulatory requirements—they’ll lead the industry into a sustainable, competitive future.
Ready to Learn More?
If you missed Caroline Braun’s talk at the LNG Bunkering Summit, don’t worry. Anew is here to help you explore Bio-LNG and RNG solutions tailored to your decarbonization strategy. Reach out to us today to start your journey toward compliance, profitability, and decarbonized shipping.