Accelerating to Net Zero, a strategic dialogue series
For more than a decade, shipping has innovated intensively to increase efficiency, cut emissions, and prepare for the use of carbon-neutral fuels, yet emissions continue to rise as the IMO’s first big emissions target in 2030 target approaches. Accelerating to Net Zero asks what it will take to align with the 1.5° pathway and meet the IMO's 2030 and 2050 net zero goal, exploring questions on green hydrogen and carbon-neutral fuels, carbon capture, carbon pricing, regulation, and cross-sectoral action through conversations with global leaders in maritime, energy, finance, policy, and supply chains.
Episode 2: Dr. Carsten Rolle, World Energy Council, Germany and BDI
In episode 2, Dr. Carsten Rolle highlights shipping's role not only as a carrier of goods, but also as a carrier of energy, with around 40% of vessels transporting fuels. That role could be important in catalyzing demand for hydrogen and other carbon-neutral fuels, but only if shipping is willing to move beyond being first in line for the bottom-of-the-barrel-fuel towards early adoption of new premier fuels.
Dr. Rolle notes that shipping’s global regulatory framework is a unique advantage. Unlike most sectors where national rules can generate more competition than collaboration, international coordination through the IMO can provide consistent carbon pricing and a channel for reinvesting revenues to support early adopters. “With this two-fold mechanism,” Dr. Rolle says, “there is a chance to give the whole development a big push.”
Germany is the first country to build a dedicated hydrogen grid, partly by repurposing existing gas pipelines. Dr. Rolle was involved in the project during its inaugural year, and he emphasizes that the question of viability has been answered, and the project is well underway. He points out that at the same time, ports, producers, and industrial partners across Europe, Australia, Colombia, and Africa are beginning to reposition themselves as exporters of renewables and hydrogen. He explains that this geopolitical shift — from hydrocarbon-rich nations to those with abundant wind and solar resources — could reshape the global balance of energy production and trade.
Dr. Rolle also stresses that carbon capture will be necessary, given that fossil fuels will remain part of the global energy mix for decades to come. He highlights emerging business models in countries such as Norway and Denmark for offshore storage, and notes that public acceptance remains a challenge, as some fear it could appear to prolong the fossil fuel age. But in reality, without carbon capture, decarbonization leading to net zero will be very difficult.
Still, courage is required. “Everyone waits for the other to go first,” Dr. Rolle observes. “And if everybody behaves like that, it won’t function.” For him, the solutions are already on the table. “You have to bring all that together to a synchronized transition,” he explains. What is needed now are business models, regulation, and the will to act. “That needs a little optimism. Of course, some patience, but it is worth it."
What’s next?
Keep an eye out for the next video in the Accelerating to Net Zero series, along with the upcoming release of our net zero report at London International Shipping Week (LISW).
Join the conversation in person on Tuesday, September 16, 14:00–16:00, at the LISW Global Hub: Breaking the Carbon-Neutral Fuel Deadlock to Accelerate to Net Zero - #LISW25 London International Shipping Week