As the maritime industry transitions to green fuels, the higher cost of options like biofuels, methanol, or ammonia poses a significant challenge. For shipowners and operators, the key question becomes who bears this cost. In some cases, the customer may be willing to pay for sustainability, but clear signals and effective communication are critical. This panel will explore how shipowners are navigating these challenges, the pricing dynamics of various green fuels, and strategies to build transparency and trust with their customers by answering the following questions:

• Are there specific fuels (e.g. bio-LNG vs. methanol) that seem more viable from a cost-recovery perspective?

• What are the key signals you’ve seen that indicate customers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable shipping?

• How transparent should shipowners and operators be about the costs of green fuels and their sustainability benefits?

• What role does certification (e.g., book and claim or mass balance systems) play in building customer trust?

• What role should regulations and market incentives play in helping bridge the cost gap for green fuels?

Ponant is embarking on an ambitious journey to design the world’s first zero-emission ship. With approval and support from the European Commission, this project will integrate a blend of six to seven energy sources. The ship will be equipped with advanced AI-powered energy management systems and new safety standards to ensure seamless operation of these diverse energy sources. This presentation aims to address the following:

• How does Ponant plan to integrate multiple energy sources, including green hydrogen and wind, into a single ship design?

• What are the key challenges in developing new safety standards and AI systems for managing diverse energy technologies?

• How is Ponant working with shipyards and start-ups to overcome the technological hurdles of zero-emission shipbuilding?

• What role will the European Commission support and collaboration with innovative partners play in achieving this vision?