The IMarEST Scottish branch organises its first international symposium on “Maritime industry decarbonisation - The paradigm to achieve net-zero targets” aiming to discuss contemporary challenges within the maritime industry and stimulate the interest of scientists and professionals. Although the need to decarbonise the maritime industry is widely acknowledged, the pathways to achieve net-zero emissions targets are associated with considerable uncertainty.
BMT is proud to be part of this conversation — sharing insights across fuels, ports, and digital technologies that are reshaping the sector.
Our experts will present four sessions tackling some of the industry’s biggest challenges:
Data-Driven Decarbonisation: Enabler or Hidden Burden ? - with Jack Howard, Environmental and Sustainability Consultant
This presentation explores how data-driven technologies are transforming maritime operations to support decarbonisation goals. From predictive maintenance to emissions tracking, digital systems are helping reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency across ships and ports. However, the environmental footprint of digital infrastructure, such as energy-intensive data centres and resource use, is often overlooked. Drawing on lifecycle thinking, the presentation examines both the benefits and hidden costs of maritime digitalisation. Attendees will gain insights into how the industry can harness data responsibly while building a more sustainable and resilient digital future.
Alternative Fuels, Shoreside Storage & Vessel Design? - with Dr Thomas Beard, Clean Shipping Service Lead & Principal Marine Engineer
The use of energy in maritime is changing, with the increase in energy reduction onboard to support the industries net zero targets, driven by the IMO and many other bodies. But the only true way to meet net zero is by changing fuel, this talk explores the leading options for alternative fuels. Exploring the challenges of both shoreside infrastructure and impacts on vessel designs. Providing potential mitigations for both vessels and storage and how we can support the increase in alternative fuels to enable a just and safe transition.
Ports as Energy Hubs: Sustaining Scotland’s Island Connectivity - with Dr Thomas Beard, Clean Shipping Service Lead & Principal Marine Engineer
The Scottish Government have set a target to reach Net Zero by 2045, which could pose risks for island communities if not managed correctly. The use of Ports as energy hubs could be a viable way to mitigate many of the risks whilst supporting development of local communities.
Enabling connectivity at the ports with the increased renewable energy available, could support the Scottish government mandate whilst sustaining island connectivity which is vital. This would not only enable onshore power supply at major locations but provide the ability to supply ‘green’ fuel to other harbours. However, this potentially vast opportunity comes with several challenges; from infrastructure development to logistics. This talk will review the potential for ports as energy hubs, the benefits to regional decarbonisation and the challenges that this could bring.
Onshore Power Supply: Idealism or Fallacy? — with Tania Berry, Electrical Capability Leader
Onshore power supply (OPS) or cold-ironing is nothing new, yet it is now being mandated by acts such as FuelEU Maritime. There are significant benefits, especially for local air quality. But with the rise in electric vessels, is the old system still fit for the future.
In an ideal world there will be an abundance of green/pink electricity to enable the transition to an increased electric transport sector, especially automotive and some of maritime. However, this is not an ideal world; are the blockers causing significant delay and harm? The talk will explore the issues around increasing OPS and how we can mitigate against this to ensure we can maximise the ‘green’ electrons.
Join us - register to attend: IMarEST | Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Symposium 2025
