Last week, the International Maritime Organization held a meeting in London to discuss options with other industry players.

"The IMO's ambition can only be realised with the development and application of technological innovation and the introduction of alternative fuels, which means low- or zero-carbon fuels should be made available soon," stated secretary general Kitack Lim.

French companies announced that they are currently working on the development of new ships that can run on less-polluting liquefied natural gas, but that does require suitable storage facilities and engines.

The International Maritime Organization has also announced that from next year sulphur content in heavy fuel oil will be cut to 0.5 percent from 3.5 percent. A  large section of the French maritime sector also recently voted to limit pollution by reducing ships' speed, a move supported by President Emmanuel Macron.

Maritime Business World