Combining delivery and Innovation – the essential role of Gas for a solid and credible future

At the Future of Gas and Hydrogen 3.0 conference in Ljubljana on May 12, 2026, International Gas Union President Andrea Stegher underscored the critical role of natural gas and hydrogen in global maritime decarbonization. As the industry shifts toward cleaner energy, the integration of LNG and hydrogen-ready propulsion systems is becoming standard for modern fleets. This transition is essential for meeting the ambitious emissions targets set for international shipping, ensuring that gas remains a credible, bridge-fuel solution for the future.

The operational transition to gas-fueled propulsion necessitates strict adherence to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels, known as the IGF Code. Compliance departments must ensure that newbuilds and retrofitted vessels strictly follow MARPOL Annex VI regulations regarding nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions. Furthermore, classification society requirements from bodies like DNV or Lloyd’s Register demand rigorous safety management systems for bunkering operations, ensuring that fuel handling protocols align with SOLAS Chapter II-1 requirements for machinery and electrical installations.

For chief engineers and second engineers, this shift demands advanced technical proficiency in handling cryogenic fuel systems and gas-combustion engines. These officers must prioritize obtaining specialized IGF Code certification and undergo rigorous training in gas-leak detection and emergency bunkering procedures. Understanding the unique thermodynamic properties of hydrogen and LNG is now a mandatory skill set for senior technical staff tasked with maintaining vessel compliance and operational safety in an evolving regulatory landscape.