Abstract

The world’s maritime industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented transformation, driven by the climate crisis and the strict regulations imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy for 2023 has fundamentally redefined the industry’s goals, from gradually reducing carbon intensity to comprehensively phasing out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. At the heart of this transition is the low-speed, two-stroke engine, which serves as the main source of propulsion for most deep-sea merchant ships. Contrary to being considered a legacy of the limitations of the fossil fuel-dependent era, these engines are being transformed into highly efficient and adaptable platforms capable of using the next generation of carbon-neutral and zero-carbon energy carriers. This analysis examines the technical, operational and regulatory mechanisms that enable the maritime sector to meet its net-zero emission commitments, with a particular focus on dual-fuel engine architectures, advanced combustion control, and the holistic integration of ship energy systems.