Navigating the net-zero transition: Insights and concepts for financing shipping decarbonisation

Decarbonising maritime shipping by mid-century requires action to improve fleet efficiency, renew vessels, and scale zero- and near-zero emission fuels. Delivering this transition requires mobilising significant capital. In response, EDF and Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub explore how bold collaboration between shipping and finance can accelerate progress. Drawing on a workshop and 40+ expert interviews, this report discusses three promising concepts to channel investment and the next steps to unlock their potential.

Three promising concepts

1. Maritime multiplier carbon accounting approach

A tool to quantify the cross-sector benefits of investments in shipping decarbonisation, enabling investors to measure the cascading effects of these investments across global supply chains and incorporate these insights into disclosures.

2. Lending platform for energy saving technologies

A financial instrument leveraging pooling mechanisms, blended finance, and standardised processes to ensure access to affordable finance to deploy energy saving technologies, particularly for smaller shipowners.

3. Time stacked offtake model

A flexible mechanism for zero and near-zero GHG emission fuel procurement that aggregates demand, shares risk, and enhances project bankability.

These concepts have the potential to lay the foundations for scalable investment, though each requires follow-on work to enable implementation. Early pilot projects will be essential to demonstrate viability and attract private capital.

EDF and the Decarb Hub welcome constructive dialogue and active collaboration with industry, financiers, policymakers, and technology providers to refine these concepts, co-create pilots, and accelerate implementation across the maritime sector.