The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and CIMAC have signed a two-year coalition partnership agreement to strengthen the maritime sector’s preparedness for the deployment of alternative fuels.
CIMAC, a global non-profit organisation promoting the development of ship propulsion, train drive and power generation, provides an established forum for technical exchange. GCMD brings complementary implementation experience, executing pilots and trials across the maritime value chain to identify the practical implications of deploying decarbonisation solutions.
Together, the partners aim to inform industry action and support the safe and effective adoption of alternative fuels.
Adapting to a new fuel landscape
Rising demand for alternative fuels, alongside the anticipated use of nascent fuels such as ammonia for marine applications, with ocean-going vessels expected to enter service later this year, presents both opportunities and challenges for low- and zero-carbon shipping.
As production of alternative fuels scales up and adoption begins, changes to hardware requirements, testing standards, fuel quality frameworks and safe handling procedures will need to be developed, validated and operationalised.
Under the partnership, insights from GCMD’s pilots will feed into CIMAC working groups, contributing operational experience to support the drafting of new standards and guidance on engine performance, fuel quality considerations and deployment readiness.
Conversely, GCMD will leverage CIMAC’s technical expertise to ensure that its trials are aligned with evolving engine technologies, fuel specifications and industry practices.
Broadening industry reach through combined networks
GCMD works with stakeholders across the maritime value chain to execute pilots and trials. CIMAC, through its annual congress and technical working groups, convenes industry experts on propulsion and fuel technologies and holds consultative status at the IMO.
By combining their respective networks, GCMD and CIMAC aim to engage upstream and downstream stakeholders, as well as regulators, in collaboratively addressing key maritime industry challenges.
Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD, said: “Following my keynote at the CIMAC 2025 Congress, discussions with CIMAC’s leadership quickly revealed strong alignment and complementary strengths. As alternative fuels introduce new chemistries and properties, solutions designed for today’s fuels will not automatically apply tomorrow. This partnership reflects our joint commitment to addressing these challenges through collaboration grounded in technical expertise and operational evidence.”
“CIMAC collaborates closely with international partners to drive solutions for maritime transformation, contribute technical expertise to regulatory processes, and accelerate the decarbonisation of shipping. The partnership with GCMD supports the development of standards and strategies for alternative fuels and sustainable propulsion systems aligned with global environmental goals. Together, CIMAC and GCMD aim to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions that accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future for shipping,” added Rick Boom, President of CIMAC.
