As regulatory and commercial pressure mounts, the shipping industry is being forced to accelerate its decarbonisation plans. Yet the full transition to zero-emission fuels remains constrained by cost, infrastructure and global supply. This makes transitional fuels an increasingly important part of the sector’s near- to mid-term strategy.
Transitional fuels offer lower emissions than traditional marine fuels but fall short of zero-carbon status. These include liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuel blends, and blue fuels such as blue ammonia and methanol. They allow operators to reduce emissions intensity now without waiting for the global availability of green hydrogen or fully renewable alternatives.
One such transitional option being developed is Quadrise’s MSAR® and bioMSAR™ technology. MSAR® is a low-viscosity fuel oil emulsion that offers lower emissions and reduced costs relative to conventional heavy fuel oil, while bioMSAR™ incorporates renewable glycerine to deliver further carbon savings. These fuels are designed to be compatible with existing marine engines, making them easier to adopt without the need for significant capital expenditure or new infrastructure.
Engine trials are ongoing, but the early signs suggest that Quadrise’s fuels could fill a critical role in the transition period, particularly for fleets unable to immediately invest in dual-fuel or alternative propulsion systems. By lowering the emissions profile of existing assets, these fuels offer a practical route to compliance with tightening regulations such as the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator and the EU’s FuelEU Maritime requirements.
Quadrise plc (LON:QED) is an energy technology provider whose solutions enable production of cheaper, cleaner, simpler and safer alternatives to fuel oil and biofuels, proven in real world applications. Quadrise technologies produce transition fuels called MSAR® and bioMSAR™, which allow clients in the shipping, utilities and industrial sectors to reduce carbon emissions whilst also saving costs.
