The UK Chamber of Shipping and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have officially announced the formation of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition. This major cross-industry initiative unites shipowners, fuel suppliers, producers, and maritime technology developers to accelerate shipping’s transition to lower-carbon operations. Designed to confront one of the greatest challenges in maritime decarbonisation, the coalition will tackle the vital task of ensuring the UK secures the alternative fuels, robust supply infrastructure, and forward-thinking policy frameworks necessary to achieve net-zero emissions.
London, United Kingdom | September 8, 2026 – The UK shipping and energy sectors have united to form the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, a groundbreaking cross-industry initiative designed to accelerate the rollout of clean marine fuels, build vital supply infrastructure, and support the UK Government’s goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from domestic maritime by 2050.
Co-facilitated by the UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the coalition brings together key associations spanning the entire maritime value chain. This collaborative model draws inspiration from a similar platform successfully convened by the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA).
Core Objectives and Strategic Priorities
The coalition aims to bridge the gap between green shipping ambitions and on-the-ground reality by focusing on production, certification, and robust infrastructure pathways. Its primary working goals include:
- Coordinated Advocacy: Delivering unified advocacy and action to support the shipping industry’s evolving energy transition needs.
- Government Consultations: Providing evidence-based, industry-backed input into the UK Government’s forthcoming consultations regarding domestic maritime fuel regulation.
- Reinvestment of ETS Revenues: Ensuring an appropriate and dedicated share of UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) maritime revenues is directly channeled toward maritime decarbonisation, specifically targeting alternative fuel production, port infrastructure upgrades, and large-scale deployment.
- Technology-Neutral Frameworks: Championing a policy-neutral approach grounded in robust lifecycle emissions assessments and verifiable performance metrics.
Founding Members
The coalition brings together a formidable alliance of leading trade bodies and industrial associations:
- ADBA (Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association)
- CCSA (Carbon Capture and Storage Association)
- CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
- eFuel Alliance
- Hydrogen UK
- IBIA (The International Bunker Industry Association)
- MI – The Global Methanol Alliance
- RTFA (Renewable Transport Fuel Association)
- SEA-LNG
- UK Ammonia Alliance
- UK Chamber of Shipping
Perspectives from Leadership
Coalition leaders and industry representatives emphasized the urgent need for cross-sector coordination to make alternative bunker fuels commercially viable at scale:
“Shipping’s transition to lower-emissions fuels depends on those fuels being available at scale, in the places ships need them, supported by the necessary infrastructure and a policy framework that encourages investment and innovation. This Coalition brings the maritime, fuel and technology sectors together to help identify practical solutions and support a technology- and fuel-neutral approach based on lifecycle emissions performance.” – Andy Harmer, Executive Director, CLIA in the UK & Ireland
“Access to alternative fuels is one of the defining challenges for the future of UK shipping. This coalition brings together the companies and organisations needed to turn ambition into delivery. If the UK wants to lead on maritime decarbonisation, industry and government must work together to create the right conditions for investment in fuels, infrastructure and new technologies.” – Rhett Hatcher, Chief Executive, UK Chamber of Shipping
“Policy to drive the development by the UK of alternative marine fuel supplies is likely to be distinct from UK policy to stimulate demand for those alternative fuels by shipping. The UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition provides an excellent opportunity for IBIA to provide input to that important consideration.” – Dr. Edmund Hughes, IBIA Representative to the IMO
“Shipping is an international industry, and the UK has a key role to play in developing fungible, global markets in alternative marine fuels. SEA-LNG welcomes the opportunity to work with other industry associations on this important initiative.” – Steve Esau, COO, SEA-LNG
“The UK Government regularly states that low-carbon ammonia is one of the most promising clean maritime fuels of the future. As the new Prime Minister looks to increase energy sovereignty and reindustrialise the country, this coalition has a vital role to play in promoting policies that ensure that maritime has access to the future fuel, infrastructure and technology it needs. The UK Ammonia Alliance looks forward to working closely with our coalition partners to support the policy development and regulatory certainty needed to stimulate investment, support job creation and establish robust supply chains for alternative fuels.” – UK Ammonia Alliance
“Creating an environment conducive to delivering investments in renewable fuel projects is key to enabling the large-scale energy transition of UK shipping. eFuels will play a prominent role in achieving net-zero targets, but unlocking their full potential requires clear investment signals. The eFuel Alliance is proud to join this coalition to help build the regulatory framework needed to scale up alternative marine fuels.” – eFuel Alliance
“The decarbonisation of UK maritime will require a technology-neutral approach that supports every credible pathway to net zero. Carbon capture and storage can play an important role in reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, including through the production of alternative maritime fuels and onboard carbon capture. This Coalition provides a valuable forum for industry to work together on the practical infrastructure, policy and investment conditions needed to make low-carbon maritime solutions a reality.” – Mark Sommerfeld, UK Director, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA)
“The transition to lower carbon shipping will require strong collaboration across the maritime and energy sectors. Hydrogen UK is pleased to be part of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, bringing together fuel producers and the shipping industry to help address our shared challenges, support the development of reliable fuel supply and infrastructure, and inform policies that will strengthen the UK’s energy security.” – Clare Jackson, CEO, Hydrogen UK
“The debate is no longer whether the solutions exist, but how quickly we can scale them. That requires regulatory ambition, a technology-neutral approach that supports all practical, proven solutions like methanol, and collaboration across the maritime value chain. We are delighted to join the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition and look forward to working with our partners to help accelerate the transition to clean shipping.” – Felicia Mester, Managing Director for Europe and IMO, MI – The Global Methanol Alliance
“RTFA and its members stand ready to help drive the decarbonisation of the UK’s maritime sector, where rapid, large-scale uptake of alternative fuels is needed as a matter of urgency. The Coalition will help underpin the close collaboration necessary between fuel producers, fuel suppliers and the shipping industry in achieving that goal.” – Jon Hood, Policy Manager, Renewable Transport Fuel Association
“Shipping is a complex international business, and reducing its carbon footprint needs every tool available. ADBA is pleased to be part of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuel Coalition, as biomethane works now as either a component in a blend or a substitute fuel. Biomethane will help cut the emissions of UK shipping in the short and medium term, in transition and in some niches in the longer term. We look forward to working with industry partners and Government to ensure a practical and sustainable future for UK Shipping.” – Chris Huhne, Chair, Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association
About the UK Chamber of Shipping
The UK Chamber of Shipping is the nation’s premier trade association and voice for the maritime sector, representing over 200 member companies. Dedicated to championing and protecting the shipping industry, it works closely with government, regulators, and international partners to safeguard the sector’s vital contributions to the economy. Through collaborative initiatives like the Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group, the association leads the way in shaping a safe, sustainable, and future-ready maritime industry.
Source: UK Chamber of Shipping