UNIVERSITY OF RUSE "ANGEL KANCHEV"
UNION OF SCIENTISTS - RUSE

Proceedings 2025

FRI-20.21-1-SITSTL-03

ALTERNATIVE FUELS - THE COMLEX PATH TO SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING

Language: ENPages: 27–33

Assoc. Prof. Ivan Conev, PhD, Master Mariner

Department of Operation and Management of Water Transport Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy

E-mail: i.tsonev@nvna.eu

Assoc. Prof. Christiana Atanasova, PhD

Department of Operation and Management of Water Transport Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy

E-mail: k.atanasova@nvna.eu

Abstract: The maritime industry is the backbone of global trade, transporting around 90% of world cargo, but at same time it also contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to its reliance on fossil-based marine fuels. With growing international pressure to reduce emissions and slow the effects of global warming and climate change, the maritime industry is stepping up its decarbonization efforts. One of the main areas of work is the replacement of conventional fuels with more environmentally friendly alternatives. This study examines the potential reducing emissions and improved sustainability which the transition toward alternative fuels can lead, as well as the difficulties and challenges along the way.

Keywords: Shipping future, sustainability, environment protection, alternative fuels

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