Oxford – E-diesel in the Shipping Sector

The maritime transport sector currently emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases, prompting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to set ambitious targets for reducing emissions. Liquid fossil fuels can be replaced by biofuels or electricity-based fuels (e-fuels) to reduce the sector's carbon footprint. E-fuels, produced using renewable electricity, offer a sustainable alternative without compromising other environmental concerns. There is growing interest in e-fuels within the maritime industry, with projects like the Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition exploring the feasibility of e-fuels like e-diesel. However, the commercial viability and competitiveness of e-fuels compared to traditional marine fuels like Marine Diesel Oil (MDO) still need to be evaluated. This paper focuses on the potential of e-diesel within the maritime sector, considering both environmental and economic factors to determine its viability as a sustainable fuel option for the shipping industry by 2050.