The role of shipbuilding in maritime decarbonisation: impacts of technology developments and policy measures

The maritime sector is experiencing a profound transformation, driven by the development, testing, and implementation of diverse low/zero-emission solutions. However, substantial challenges to achieving net-zero shipping persist, including high costs and limited infrastructure for alternative fuels, as well as notable regional disparities in decarbonisation commitments, technological advancement, and adoption rates across the industry.

The upcoming OECD report, The role of shipbuilding in maritime decarbonisation: impacts of technology developments and policy measures (2025), provides an in-depth analysis of the shipbuilding and marine equipment sector’s capacity to support maritime decarbonisation through advancements in ship design and construction for low/zero-emission fuels and propulsion systems. This report leverages comprehensive data from major shipbuilding nations, applying quantitative analysis alongside insights from company reports, policy documents, and interviews. It examines production capacities, research and development (R&D) trends, and policy frameworks influencing the development and adoption of alternative fuels and propulsion technologies in the pursuit of low/zero-emission shipping.

Building on the report’s insights, the proposed presentation offers original and extensive findings for session T9-2 in the following areas:

Regional shipbuilding and marine technology capacity for alternative fuels and propulsion: The report assess industry capacity in major shipbuilding regions, studying newbuild and retrofitting capabilities in relation to alternative fuel adoption. It examines significant regional disparities in capacities for alternative fuel capable vessel construction between leading countries, with China and South Korea together accounting for almost 90% of the global alternative fuel orderbook in CGT— and other economies. An additional focus is placed on engine design and manufacturing capacity for alternative fuel-capable engines.

Innovation trends in low/zero-emission ship design and propulsion systems: The report analyses trends in low-carbon innovation, with a focus on annual patent activity related to low/zero-emission marine technology and ship design. It highlights recent trends in patenting in low-carbon maritime technologies, identifying key areas where innovation has slowed or increased and examining the types of technologies that are prioritised across regions. This is linked to analysis on where investment and policy support might stimulate renewed R&D, particularly in propulsion system advancements and ship designs optimised for alternative fuels.

Comparative analysis of maritime decarbonisation policies: The report provides a comparative analysis of decarbonisation policy measures across 25 maritime nations—spotlighting key shipbuilding economies in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, North America and South America. By mapping policy target areas, instruments, and support measures, it assesses how different national policy frameworks shape industry decarbonisation efforts. The report also examines trends in Green Shipping Corridors and agreements between shipowners, ports, and energy producers to create integrated supply chains for alternative fuels.