GCMD and INTERCARGO boost bulk decarbonisation

The two-year collaboration will focus on accelerating the adoption of energy efficiency technologies (EET) and supporting the broader deployment of low- and zero-carbon solutions in a sector known for operational complexity.

“This partnership offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the dry bulk segment’s operational realities and work collaboratively to address gaps in meeting the industry’s decarbonisation targets,” said Professor Lynn Loo, chief executive of GCMD.

“Through INTERCARGO’s consultative status at IMO, we hope to contribute to the development of global regulatory frameworks.”

READ MORE: The Motorship talks exclusively to GCMD’s chief executive, Professor Lynn Loo

Bulk carriers, which account for 42.7% of global oceangoing tonnage, frequently operate on unpredictable ‘tramp’ trades, making the adoption of new fuels and technologies more difficult.

To address near-term challenges, GCMD is conducting onboard sensor pilots to validate fuel savings and support the rollout of its pay-as-you-save financing model, which links repayments to verified fuel savings. This initiative is expected to support small and medium shipowners who often face financing barriers and uncertainty around EET performance.

“As the voice of the world’s largest shipping segment, INTERCARGO is committed to making decarbonisation work for all our members,” said Dimitris Monioudis, technical committee chair of INTERCARGO.

“This partnership helps ensure practical, scalable technologies reach the companies moving most of the world’s essential cargoes.”