The imposed climate targets for shipping at both an international (IMO) and European level oblige the sector to look for alternatives to current conventional fuels. The so-called new fuels ideally have net-zero CO₂ emissions on board and are also produced in a sustainable manner. In order to introduce these fuels on a large scale, the first pilot projects in shipping must be realized before 2030, as well as the necessary infrastructure adapted or realized.

Since we are already confronted with numerous questions at local and international level about the impact of new fuels, it is appropriate to carry out the necessary desk research that provides background to support policies and projects. As a time horizon, we treat both the current state and the expected state (2030 - 2050).

The aim of the thesis is not to rank the different fuels, but to estimate the advantages and disadvantages for each fuel. This can be in the form of a 'matrix template' or SWOT analysis.

We are thinking of fuels such as:

• Hydrogen
• ammonia
• methanol
• LNG

The research will consist of the following aspects:

1. Introduction of the issues

• energetic transition concerning the port in short term regarding the technical aspect and the opinions/ perspectives of the ship owner in the maritime world
• what is compatible when taking into account the expectations of shipowners and the port in the short and medium term? how would the supply of these new energies work?

2. Short technical data sheets for each fuel (+effectiveness), comparative table of the different new fuels

• interview of Antwerp professionals working with these fuels
• international regulations on the different percentages and health risks associated with the use of these new alternatives

3. In-depth research of the work done ibefore, in collaboration with Port of Antwerp, on a variety of different topics as deemed necessary

• finding inconsistencies in the solutions that are thought to be feasible today
• if implemented, where would the maritime world be in 5/10 years
• study of the dangerousness of each fuel (example of accidents) : health, ecology. 
• go into details of the life cycle of the different fuels (how long it can last)
• detailed the pratical introduction/application of thoses fuels between the shore and the ships, how all terminals would have to be adapted or the investment would be too great for it to be worthwhile to use them?