Hey friends,

You know, the maritime sector is steering toward a cleaner, greener future. With ambitious decarbonization goals set by global organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union, clean energy has become the centerpiece of maritime innovation. But what will this landscape look like in 2028? How will emerging technologies, regulations, and investments shape the industry? In this week’s Sunday Compass, I’ll share my predictions for what 2028 holds for clean energy in the maritime sector—backed by research, trends, and conversations with key people in the industry.

By 2028, e-fuels—such as green hydrogen, e-methanol, and e-ammonia—will play a more significant role in powering ships. These fuels are produced using renewable energy sources and have near-zero greenhouse gas emissions when consumed.

According to Transport & Environment’s e-Fuels Observatory, there are currently 61 e-fuel projects in development across Europe, with 17 specifically dedicated to maritime use. If realized on schedule, these projects could produce up to 1.06 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2030. However, challenges remain:

• Production Gaps: Current projects fall short of meeting FuelEU Maritime’s targets for clean fuel uptake by 2031.
• High Costs: E-fuels remain expensive compared to fossil fuels, though advancements in production technologies are expected to lower costs over time.

By 2028, we’ll see wider adoption of e-fuels as production scales up and costs decrease. Green hydrogen and e-methanol may dominate short-term adoption due to their readiness for market deployment, while e-ammonia will emerge as a long-term solution thanks to its higher energy density and scalability potential.

One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the widespread adoption of shore power systems at major ports. Shore power allows ships to plug into renewable electricity grids while docked, significantly reducing emissions from auxiliary engines.

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (MVII) in Rotterdam has already committed to introducing shore power by 2028. This move aligns with broader EU initiatives to equip ports with renewable energy infrastructure under the Fit-for-55 package.

By 2028, shore power will be standard at most European ports and increasingly adopted globally. Ports equipped with renewable energy grids will not only reduce emissions but also attract eco-conscious shipping companies seeking compliance with stricter regulations like IMO’s revised GHG strategy.

The marine electric vehicle (EV) market is poised for exponential growth as battery technologies advance and fossil fuel depletion accelerates. Electric ferries and short-sea vessels are already making waves, but what’s next?

The global marine EV market is projected to grow from $7.2 billion in 2023 to $14 billion by 2028. Companies are investing heavily in hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems for smaller vessels operating in coastal waters or inland waterways.

By 2028, electric propulsion will dominate short-haul routes, particularly in regions with strong renewable energy policies like Scandinavia and North America. Hybrid systems combining batteries with alternative fuels will become the norm for medium-range vessels, bridging the gap until battery technologies can support long-haul shipping.

Offshore wind farms and other marine renewable energy sources are set to transform how we power maritime operations. By harnessing the vast potential of ocean-based renewables, the industry can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while supporting broader energy transitions.

In 2023 alone, Europe installed over 715 kW of emerging ocean energy capacities, marking a significant leap from previous years. Investments in offshore wind farms are also accelerating globally, with renewables expected to account for 95% of new energy capacity by 2028.

By 2028, offshore wind farms will not only supply clean electricity to grids but also directly power nearby ports and shipyards through localized microgrids. Additionally, floating wind turbines will expand into deeper waters, unlocking new areas for renewable energy generation.

Regulations have always been a catalyst for change in shipping—and this trend will only intensify as we approach IMO’s ambitious decarbonization targets.

• IMO aims to achieve at least a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, with zero-emission fuels making up at least 5% of total energy used by international shipping by then.
• The EU’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation mandates progressive reductions in greenhouse gas intensity starting in 2025.

By 2028, these regulations will have spurred widespread adoption of clean technologies across fleets. Early adopters will gain competitive advantages through tax incentives and access to green corridors—designated routes optimized for zero-emission shipping. Meanwhile, laggards may face penalties or restricted access to eco-certified ports.

The transition to clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s also an economic opportunity. According to the Global Maritime Forum, decarbonizing shipping could create up to 4 million jobs across the energy supply chain by 2050, with most opportunities arising during the intense investment period of the 2030s.

By 2028, we’ll see significant job growth in sectors like renewable energy production (e.g., wind turbines), e-fuel manufacturing facilities, and green port infrastructure development. Countries investing early in these areas will emerge as leaders in both maritime innovation and economic resilience.

While these predictions paint an optimistic picture, challenges remain:

• Infrastructure Gaps: Scaling up production facilities for e-fuels and renewable energy grids requires substantial investment and coordination across stakeholders.
• Cost Competitiveness: Clean technologies must become economically viable compared to fossil fuels—a hurdle that depends on technological advancements and supportive policies.
• Global Disparities: Uneven adoption rates between developed and developing regions could create imbalances in global trade dynamics.

The maritime sector is entering an era of unprecedented transformation as it embraces clean energy solutions to meet ambitious decarbonization goals. By 2028, we’ll witness a multi-fuel landscape led by e-fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia; widespread adoption of shore power; rapid growth in marine electric vehicles; and offshore renewables powering ports and operations alike.

However, success hinges on collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and innovators—working together to overcome challenges while seizing opportunities.
As always here at Sunday Compass, I’ll keep you updated on these developments as they unfold.

Cheers,

Fernando

Dry Docking

Here we are with a new term to explore. Today, dry docking—the maritime equivalent of a pit stop that keeps ships safe, efficient, and seaworthy.

Dry docking is the process of moving a vessel into a specially designed basin (a dry dock) to inspect, repair, and maintain its underwater components. Think of it as giving a ship a thorough health check-up while it’s lifted completely out of the water. This allows crews to access parts like the hull, propellers, and rudders that are normally submerged and hard to inspect during regular operations.

The term “dry dock” dates back to the early days of shipbuilding. The concept originated in ancient Egypt and China, where ships were hauled onto shore for repairs. The modern dry dock as we know it—a gated basin that can be flooded or drained—was developed in the 19th century. The word “dock” itself comes from the Dutch dok, meaning a enclosed waterway, while “dry” emphasizes the removal of water to create a workable environment.

1. Safety First: Dry docking prevents disasters by identifying issues like hull corrosion or propeller damage before they escalate.
2. Regulatory Compliance: International maritime laws require regular dry docking to ensure vessels meet safety and environmental standards.
3. Cost Efficiency: Addressing problems early saves money on emergency repairs and reduces downtime.
4. Longevity: Routine maintenance extends a ship’s lifespan, protecting investments worth millions.
5. Environmental Protection: Cleaning hulls during dry docking improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

From ancient shore hauls to cutting-edge tech, dry docking has come a long way:
• 1800s: Steam-powered pumps made draining docks faster and safer.
• 1950s: Floating dry docks (mobile platforms that submerge to lift ships) revolutionized flexibility.
• Today: Digital tools like 3D scanning and robotics streamline inspections, while eco-friendly coatings reduce marine growth.

Did you know the largest dry docks can accommodate vessels longer than the Empire State Building? Or that some modern docks use AI to predict maintenance needs? Dry docking isn’t just about repairs—it’s where tradition meets tomorrow’s tech!

Dry docking is the unsung hero of maritime safety, ensuring ships stay reliable in an industry where “good enough” is never an option. Next time you see a cargo giant gliding into port, remember: its smooth journey likely began with meticulous care in a dry dock.

P.S. Fun fact: The world’s oldest operational dry dock, built in 1495, still stands in Portsmouth, England—a testament to maritime ingenuity!

Thank you for joining us on this voyage through the world of maritime terminology. Stay tuned for more insights next week, and as always, feel free to suggest topics or ask questions by replying to this email or sending me a DM!

🛠️ Tool: DeepSeek

This week in the “Things I Find Interesting” section, I want to talk about something that’s been making waves everywhere: DeepSeek. If you haven’t heard of it yet, imagine a tool that feels like a luxury concierge for your data and decision-making—effortlessly powerful, incredibly precise, and surprisingly accessible. It’s no wonder everyone is talking about it.

At its core, DeepSeek is an AI platform designed to analyze data, automate tasks, and help you make smarter decisions. But what makes it stand out from the crowd is its ability to handle complex challenges with elegance and efficiency. With features like multilingual support, advanced reasoning, and a massive context window of up to 128,000 tokens (yes, that’s huge), DeepSeek feels like the equivalent of a bespoke suit in the world of AI—tailored perfectly to your needs.

DeepSeek isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a game-changer. Its open-source accessibility means developers can adapt and innovate with it freely, while its cost-effectiveness makes cutting-edge AI more attainable than ever. Imagine having access to a model that can tackle everything from coding challenges to deep data analysis, all without breaking the bank. It’s like owning a luxury car that doesn’t guzzle fuel but still gives you a smooth ride.

What excites me most about DeepSeek isn’t just its technical prowess—it’s the possibilities it unlocks. Tools like this inspire us to think bigger, dream further, and reimagine what’s possible in our personal and professional lives. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for smarter ways to scale your business or someone curious about leveraging AI for creative projects, DeepSeek offers a glimpse into a future where technology empowers us to achieve more.

In a world where time is our most valuable asset, tools like DeepSeek remind us of the importance of working smarter, not harder. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about creating space for what truly matters—whether that’s pursuing your passions, spending time with loved ones, or simply dreaming up your next big idea.
So yes, DeepSeek is making headlines for good reason. It’s not just another tech trend; it’s a tool that could redefine how we approach challenges and opportunities alike. If you’re curious about the future of AI—or just looking for something that could make your life a little easier—this is one to watch closely.