Oil’s days as shipping fuel are numbered
Forget the sulphur cap—shipping industry’s biggest disruption will come from carbon rules
In December, the world's largest shipping company, Maersk, announced that it would transform its entire business to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal goes beyond the landmark agreement of governments at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in April 2018 to "at least halve" the shipping sector's greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As Maersk acknowledges, reaching zero emissions requires fundamental changes in how ships are powered, ending the combustion of bunker fuel. However, we have yet to hear from bunker companies on whether they plan to adapt and accompany their biggest customer on this energy transition, or just go out of business. How long have they got? Because co
Also in this section
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
21 January 2026
Petroleum Economist takes a look at the critical developments that look set to govern the course of the market for this year
20 January 2026
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between






