As the maritime industry invests in alternative-fuel vessels, an equally important question is emerging: will the fuels, infrastructure and commercial conditions be in place to support them?
With vessels operating for decades, these decisions cannot be based on today's fuel market alone.
At SIBCON 2026 on 14 October, AET's Global Director of Strategy, Sustainability and Enterprise Risk Management, Smriti Sharma, joined industry peers to discuss the cost, risk and operational realities shaping these decisions.
Smriti shared AET's approach to maintaining flexibility through LNG dual-fuel vessels with potential pathways towards bio-LNG and e-LNG, ammonia dual-fuel newbuilds, hybrid-electric and ethanol-ready capabilities. Just as important are investments in improving the efficiency of the existing fleet and working closely with customers to develop commercially viable solutions.
But vessel technology alone cannot determine the pace of the transition.
Shipowners can invest in fuel flexibility today. Realising its value will also depend on regulatory clarity, reliable supply, infrastructure and the economics of alternative fuels.
The challenge is to keep moving forward without assuming that any single fuel or technology will provide all the answers.
Thank you to moderator Mahua Mitra of Argus Media and fellow panellists Emma Mazhari of Maersk Oil Trading, Richard Ho of Ocean Network Express and Chern Meng Huat of Pacific Carriers Limited for the discussion.
