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Strategic Pathways to Alternative Marine Fuels: Empirical Evidence from Shipping Practices in South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Jeongmin Lee

    (Department of Convergence Interdisciplinary Education of Maritime & Ocean Contents (Logistics System), Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea)

  • Minseop Sim

    (Department of Convergence Interdisciplinary Education of Maritime & Ocean Contents (Logistics System), Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea)

  • Yulseong Kim

    (Department of Logistics, College of Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea)

  • Changhee Lee

    (Division of Navigation Convergence Studies, College of Maritime Sciences, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan 49112, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This study investigates the transition to a sustainable shipping industry within the framework of the IMO’s 2050 carbon neutrality objective, focusing on sociotechnical systems analysis. This research delves into the sustainable paradigm shift towards alternative marine fuels, such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, from a sociotechnical transition perspective, analyzing the multilevel perspective challenges and opportunities. Specifically, it scrutinizes the implications of adopting these alternative fuels for global shipping, identifying technical uncertainties, financial constraints, and infrastructure needs. Through a comprehensive review of the existing literature on ship emissions and alternative fuels, coupled with sociotechnical transition theory, this study addresses the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in meeting the IMO’s environmental objectives. It emphasizes the necessity of collaborative governance, innovative niche strategies, and a holistic approach to leverage the current window of opportunity in facilitating the maritime industry’s transition to sustainable fuel options. Finally, this research enhances our understanding of the intricate interplay between technological, social, industrial, and cultural dynamics in the greening of shipping, and offers insights into the strategic adoption of environmentally friendly marine fuels for a sustainable future.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeongmin Lee & Minseop Sim & Yulseong Kim & Changhee Lee, 2024. "Strategic Pathways to Alternative Marine Fuels: Empirical Evidence from Shipping Practices in South Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2412-:d:1356855
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Suneet Singh & Ashish Dwivedi & Saurabh Pratap, 2023. "Sustainable Maritime Freight Transportation: Current Status and Future Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-23, April.
    2. Alam Md Moshiul & Roslina Mohammad & Fariha Anjum Hira, 2023. "Alternative Fuel Selection Framework toward Decarbonizing Maritime Deep-Sea Shipping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-37, March.
    3. Moritz, Jana & McPartlin, Maria & Tuomisto, Hanna L. & Ryynänen, Toni, 2023. "A multi-level perspective of potential transition pathways towards cultured meat: Finnish and German political stakeholder perceptions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(9).
    4. Jeroen C.J.M. van den Bergh & Frank R. Bruinsma (ed.), 2008. "Managing the Transition to Renewable Energy," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 12697, June.
    5. Jeongmin Lee & Jinwoo Lee & Changhee Lee & Yulseong Kim, 2023. "Identifying ESG Trends of International Container Shipping Companies Using Semantic Network Analysis and Multiple Case Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-20, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammed H. Alshareef & Ayman F. Alghanmi, 2024. "Optimizing Maritime Energy Efficiency: A Machine Learning Approach Using Deep Reinforcement Learning for EEXI and CII Compliance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-28, November.

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