The CMA2026 Fuels and Geopolitics session explored how the maritime energy transition is reshaping strategic relationships, supply chains, industrial competitiveness and energy security. Bringing together perspectives from academia, industry and policy it was highlighted that maritime fuel choices are not simply technical decisions but geopolitical and strategic economic ones. The maritime energy transition has significant implications for the UK’s economic resilience, international competitiveness and net zero ambitions.

The session was hosted and facilitated by our Policy Lead, Dr Claire Copeland and featured expert contributions from academia and industry followed by discussions of a range of different maritime fuel outlooks.

Professor Gavin Bridge outlined the geopolitics of energy transitions more broadly, highlighting the slowdown in global trade as a percentage of GDP and explaining how shifts in fuels create new geopolitical dynamics. The energy transition challenge is compounded by the continued dominance of high-carbon systems and the need for substantial investment in new infrastructure, with crises and geopolitical rivalries hindering cooperation required.

Professor Rachael Rothman outlined emerging maritime fuel pathways and likely short- and medium-term outlook. The uptake of low-carbon fuels in the maritime sector remains challenging due to limited availability and high costs. Of key importance are energy efficiency measures and capital flexibility such as dual-fuel engines.

Michael Green provided insights from the fuel supply sector, highlighting how regional variations in maritime regulations across the globe are creating uncertainty for industry. There is growing demand for bio-derived fuels to meet decarbonisation measures, but the diversity of fuel offerings in this category and different standards are a challenge. It was stressed that fuel quality and sustainability are not one and the same – what is key is the feedstock for the bio-derived fuel.

Following these presentations, attendees participated in an interactive exercise exploring the risks, opportunities and priorities associated with a range of future fuel scenarios. Common themes and key priorities arising from the discussions were as follows:

Policy certainty is key!

In discussions it was consistently stressed that investment decisions are being constrained by uncertainty. Whether considering hydrogen, ammonia, methanol or biofuels, stakeholders emphasised the need for long-term, stable policy signals and regulatory clarity.

Infrastructure as a strategic asset

Ports, bunkering facilities and fuel production capacity were viewed as critical determinants of future competitiveness. It was highlighted that there are risks of both underinvestment and misdirected investment, particularly in an uncertain multi-fuel environment.

International alignment matters

The global nature of shipping means that fragmented regulations, fuel standards and compliance regimes could increase costs and reduce efficiency. International coordination was identified as a key priority for reducing risk and supporting market development.

Balancing security, competitiveness and decarbonisation

There is no single fuel pathway that removes all the risks. Instead, policymakers face the challenge of balancing energy security, economic competitiveness and emissions reduction objectives while maintaining flexibility in the face of technological and market uncertainty.

Conclusions

There emerged several key priorities for the UK in enabling the maritime energy transition, these are summarised as follows:

  • Policy certainty and stability and leadership in international standards and regulation
  • Supporting strategic infrastructure development
  • Strengthening partnerships that enhance fuel security and resilience
  • Supporting innovation, demonstration projects and supply chain development

 

Overall, participants concluded that fuel choice will play an increasingly important role in shaping the UK’s future maritime competitiveness and geopolitical position. Decisions taken during the next decade will influence not only the pace of maritime decarbonisation, but also the UK’s role within emerging global energy and shipping systems.

As the maritime sector navigates an increasingly complex transition, understanding the geopolitical implications of fuel choices will be essential for developing resilient, competitive and sustainable strategies for the future.

 

To download the slides used during the workshop, please visit Clean Maritime Assembly 2026 – Beyond the Horizon Presentations (Day 1).