GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Sep 14, 2026
Alternative propulsion
Alternative propulsion covers all transport powertrain concepts that do not rely on conventional diesel or heavy fuel oil.
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Source: Frachtportal-News «EU startet maritime Industrieallianz für Schiffe und Häfen» (14.09.2026); Europäische Kommission, EU Industrial Maritime Strategy COM(2026)111
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Logistics concept
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Definition & Explanation
Alternative propulsion covers all transport powertrain concepts that do not rely on conventional diesel or heavy fuel oil. In shipping this includes LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, battery-electric and hybrid systems, plus wind assistance through rotor sails; in road freight it covers battery-electric trucks, fuel cells and biofuels. The main drivers are the IMO climate targets, the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System and the FuelEU Maritime requirements. Adoption depends less on the vessel than on fuel availability in port - bunkering infrastructure and shore charging points exist only at selected locations so far. For shippers, alternative propulsion is both a cost factor through surcharges and the basis for credible emissions reporting along their own supply chain. It is not the same as efficiency measures such as slow steaming or hull optimisation, which merely reduce the consumption of an existing powertrain.
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