Fuel Savings of 16% by 2030: How energy efficiency can impact shipping costs

According to the DNV’s Maritime Forecast to 2050 report, decarbonizing the shipping industry will incur significant costs for shipowners, which will be compensated by increased freight rates and eventually affect the end consumer through an increase in the price of goods.

The report posits that energy efficiency measures are one of the most immediate solutions to reduce cost, and could lead to 16% in fuel savings by 2030. For shipping companies, this represents a critical opportunity to cut operational expenses and meet emissions targets while transitioning to a greener future.

Without such measures, the DNV report states that the industry is unlikely to meet the International Maritime Organization’s 2030 goal of 20% emission reduction.

Energy efficiency is not just about reducing fuel use—it’s a strategy that buys time. While alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen promise long-term sustainability, they remain expensive and limited in availability. By improving vessel design, streamlining operations, and leveraging digital technologies, companies can significantly reduce their reliance on carbon-heavy fuels and position themselves to adopt new fuel technologies as they mature.

Digitalization plays a vital role in unlocking these savings. Advanced real time monitoring systems, like Cyanergy’s IoT solution, can optimize ship performance, track emissions, and provide the data needed to quantify the impact of energy-saving initiatives. These tools not only ensure compliance with upcoming regulations like the EU ETS (2024), but also enable companies to make smarter, data-driven decisions about fleet upgrades and operational changes.

For shipping companies, the path forward is clear: start reducing energy consumption now, adopt digital tools to maximize efficiency, and prepare for the future by exploring fuel-flexible technologies and infrastructure. By acting today, the industry can take a meaningful step toward achieving the IMO’s 2050 zero-emission target while staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.

To download the full DNV report, click here.

To learn more about how Cyanergy is helping shipping companies lower fuel consumption and reduce carbon costs through IoT technologies, click here or contact us.