A systematic review of technologies, measures, and CO2 emission reduction potential for maritime transport decarbonisation

Abstract

The maritime shipping sector is a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for approximately 2.7%-3% of global emissions. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets: a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030, 80% by 2040, and net-zero by 2050, relative to 2008 levels. Meeting these goals requires a comprehensive understanding of the full range of viable decarbonisation measures. Therefore, this study conducts a systematic review of maritime decarbonisation measures, applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Unlike previous studies, this paper not only provides an updated overview of CO2 reduction measures but also maps them to specific vessel types based on data reported in the literature. Furthermore, the findings are compared with literature to highlight shifts in mitigation potential. A case study is also included to schematically demonstrate how these measures can be applied in practice. Following a rigorous analysis: (i) thirty-two individual CO2 mitigation measures were identified and classified into six categories, (ii) alternative fuels shown the highest long-term potential (5%–100% CO2 emission reduction), whereas hull design improvements show the lowest (1%–20%), (iii) the wide disparity in reported abatement values is attributed to inconsistent system boundaries, variability in fuel origin, partial-blend scenarios, and differing assumptions across studies, (iv) combinations of measures provide the most practical and realistic pathway to phased emissions reduction. These findings are expected to assist decision-makers in selecting effective, context-appropriate strategies to support global maritime decarbonisation and ensure long-term sectoral sustainability.