DNV will launch the 10th edition of its Maritime Forecast to 2050 report at SMM 2026. The publication builds on a decade of experience supporting the maritime industry through a complex and evolving energy transition.
Shipping’s energy transition is progressing, but uncertainty around regulation and fuel markets is making long-term decisions increasingly challenging. While regional measures such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS are already shaping near-term action, the absence of a settled global framework means the pace and direction of the transition remain uncertain. According to DNV, the outcome of the IMO Net-Zero Framework negotiations will be decisive in determining how quickly low-greenhouse gas fuels and energy-efficiency measures are adopted across the global fleet.
This year’s Maritime Forecast to 2050 highlights energy efficiency as the most immediate and commercially attractive decarbonisation measure, with significant potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across the fleet. At the same time, the report states that the development of low-greenhouse gas fuel markets will depend on stronger regulatory demand signals, increased supply and continued cost reductions.
To help navigate this uncertainty, the report outlines a number of regulatory scenarios and introduces a scenario-based framework to support decision-making. According to DNV, the approach helps shipowners assess strategies across a range of possible futures and identify pathways that balance cost, risk and flexibility.
The report will be launched at a special event during SMM. DNV Maritime CEO Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria will deliver a keynote speech, while lead author Øyvind Sekkesæter will present the report’s key findings. A panel discussion will also examine the report’s main conclusions. The event will take place on Tuesday, 1 September, from 12:00 to 14:00 CEST in Room Kopenhagen, Hall B3.
Hall B4.EG, Booth 221
