ECSA is launching our new interview series #ShippingPeople – meet the European Shipowners. Every month, we will be bringing the perspectives of central figures in the European shipping industry on the biggest topics in shipping. 

Meet Marily Frangista, Managing Director of Franco Compania Naviera S.A., President of Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA) and member of the ECSA Board of Directors. Marily’s career in the maritime sector spans more than 40 years in several associations and organisations.

Considering Europe’s goal to meet climate neutrality by 2050, which are the main challenges for shipping?

The shipping industry has a very low carbon footprint compared to global CO2 emissions. It is however committed to play its part in the fight against climate change and is in fact the only sector that has already a planned way ahead with specific targets and strict global and EU regulations.

However, achieving climate neutrality by 2050 presents several significant barriers and challenges.

The energy transition of shipping requires a shift from traditional fossil fuels to new sustainable alternative fuels and substantial operational and technological adjustments. Progress in the production of the required fuels has been slow.  Moreover, our industry is competing with other sectors for access to these fuels. Therefore, the main challenge is the commercial availability of safe alternative fuels in sufficient quantities, at reasonable prices at the ports in the EU and worldwide. We need a universal system that bridges the cost difference of alternative fuels to accelerate their production and uptake.

The transition demands coordination across the maritime cluster, including fuel producers and suppliers, shipyards, marine engine manufacturers, ports. Regulators must bear this in mind when they introduce new legislation and they must, thus, regulate accordingly also these stakeholders.

In addition, the energy transition poses significant financial challenges, especially for SMEs. Access to financing in the EU has become more and more restrictive and uncompetitive. The investments and financing needed for scaling up innovative new technologies and infrastructure and creating a dense network of bunkering infrastructure for alternative fuels must be prioritised.

Given the international nature of shipping, international cooperation is fundamental to achieve the climate goals. Aligning regulations in Europe with those of IMO, as well as standards across regions, is crucially important to ensure effective emission reductions and a level playing field.

The upcoming EU maritime industrial strategy must recognise shipping’s vital role for a thriving and globally competitive EU. The special features and needs of the industry must be duly considered to ensure both its decarbonisation and sustainability.  The challenges of SMEs, the backbone of the EU shipping sector, in financing their energy transition need particular consideration.

What innovative technologies or alternative fuels do you see as solutions to reduce emissions and achieve the climate targets?

Several innovative technologies used on the existing fleet and alternative fuels are being developed to help reduce emissions, enhance efficiency and achieve climate targets in the shipping industry. There will not be a one-size-fits-all approach as different solutions will be needed for different trading patterns in view of their different modus operandi and special features. For example, bulk/tramp shipping that constitutes the overwhelming part of global seaborne trade, requires specific consideration to ensure all the industry is able to decarbonise.

Hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol are potentially promising alternative fuels for shipping due to their high energy content and lower emissions. However, each has its drawbacks. Hydrogen has low energy density and requires specialised storage and transportation infrastructure. Ammonia, while easier to store, is highly toxic and has a lower energy density. Methanol, though renewable, has a lower energy content than marine gas oil and is both toxic and flammable, requiring careful handling and storage. These challenges need to be addressed to make these fuels viable for widespread use in the shipping industry and, above all, safe. Biofuels are considered a viable short-term measure for decarbonising the shipping industry. They can be used in existing marine engines with minimal modifications, making them a practical option for the current fleet of ships. Biofuels significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants compared to traditional marine fuels. Their production from renewable sources reduces reliance on fossil fuels. While biofuels offer immediate benefits, they also pave the way for the development and adoption of more advanced, long-term sustainable fuels and technologies.

Innovative technologies leading to significant reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions include Wind-assisted propulsion, such as rotor sails, Cold Ironing, Carbon Capture and Storage, and Energy Saving Devices as part of a broader strategy to enhance the hydrodynamic performance of ships.

Importantly, any technological choice must have safety as its underlying principle. By investing in cleaner technologies and fostering a culture of safety, we are shaping the maritime future by balancing innovation with the safety of our people.

The rise of automation and artificial intelligence has led to fears that some roles on board may become obsolete or significantly altered. While it’s true that digitalisation will change the nature of certain jobs, it’s important to view these changes as opportunities for improvements in the industry.

One of the most significant benefits of digitalisation is the improved safety and efficiency it brings to ship operations. Automation and advanced monitoring systems reduce the chances of human error, while real-time data and analytics enable more effective decision-making.

Digitalisation also equips seafarers with enhanced decision-making capabilities. With access to real-time information on weather, currents, and vessel performance, seafarers can make more informed decisions that optimise ship operations and reduce risks. It can also contribute to a better work-life balance and overall well-being for seafarers.

The ability to stay connected with their home bases, other vessels, and the wider maritime community helps to alleviate feelings of isolation that are often associated with life at sea.

However, in such a changing environment, seafarers will of course need to adapt to new technologies and workflows to be able to perform their duties safely. This may involve learning how to operate advanced equipment, adjusting to new communication methods, or embracing automated systems.

With the rapid pace of digitalisation, the set of skills required for seafarers are also continually evolving. To keep up with these changes, it’s vital for maritime professionals to be provided with and engage in continuous learning and skills development. Our company constantly pursues opportunities to ensure seafarers are able to expand their knowledge and skills to deal with the increased digitalisation and automation, data analysis and cybersecurity – this involves training courses and certifications so that our staff remain informed about advancements and best practices to ensure safe operations.

Future clean fuel technologies and technologically advanced ships necessitate upskilling and reskilling strategies beyond companies’ ongoing training.  Collaborations between industry, educational institutions, and authorities are necessary to identify skills’ needs, foster an environment that promotes diversity and safe working conditions, drive innovation, and enhance the sector’s attractiveness and competitiveness.

It is also vital that the relevant regulatory framework, is appropriately updated and enhanced to keep pace with the new requirements, opportunities and potential risks.

Could you share with us some good practices aimed at decarbonising the shipping industry that your company has been involved in or closely monitoring? Could you provide insights into these initiatives, including the technologies employed, partnerships formed?

For press and media enquiries, please contact:

Luisa Puccio, luisa.puccio@ecsa.eu, +32 492 733623