Container lines have forged ahead on fuel transition irrespective of MEPC vote
- MEPC83 vote next week could introduce the first binding carbon price for global shipping
- Container lines have acted early, investing in LNG and methanol dual-fuel ships, retrofits and upgrades
- European carriers lead the transition, particularly CMA CGM and Maersk, but Asian majors are now making strides of their own
- Feeder segment lags, with most new orders still favouring conventional fuel designs
As the IMO’s MEPC83 prepares to vote on a landmark Net-Zero Framework that could introduce the world’s first binding, carbon pricing for shipping, leading container lines are already forging ahead. Driven by regulatory anticipation, shipper pressure, and fuel market uncertainty, carriers are investing heavily in dual-fuel tonnage, retrofits and fleet upgrades — leaving other segments trailing in a fragmented decarbonisation landscape
