GCMD and CIMAC form two-year coalition to advance readiness for alternative marine fuels

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and CIMAC have signed a two-year coalition partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the maritime sector’s preparedness for the deployment of alternative fuels.

The agreement brings together CIMAC’s technical standard-setting and engineering expertise with GCMD’s experience in executing pilots and trials across the maritime value chain. The partners said the collaboration is intended to support the safe and effective adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels by translating operational experience into technical guidance and standards.

CIMAC is a global non-profit organisation focused on the development of ship propulsion, train drive and power generation technologies, providing an established forum for technical exchange through working groups and industry congresses. GCMD works with industry stakeholders to test decarbonisation solutions in real-world settings, generating practical insights into fuel use, safety, and operational impacts.

The partnership comes as demand for alternative marine fuels increases and early deployments of fuels such as ammonia move closer to commercial operation, with the first ocean-going vessels expected to enter service later this year. Industry participants have highlighted that new fuels will require changes to hardware design, testing protocols, fuel quality frameworks and safe handling procedures.

Under the agreement, findings from GCMD-led pilots and trials will be shared with CIMAC’s working groups, contributing operational evidence to the development of guidance on engine performance, fuel quality considerations and deployment readiness. In parallel, GCMD will draw on CIMAC’s technical input to align its trials with evolving engine technologies, fuel specifications and industry practices.

The two organisations also plan to broaden industry engagement by combining their respective networks. GCMD collaborates with stakeholders across the shipping value chain, while CIMAC convenes propulsion and fuel technology experts through its annual congress and technical committees, and holds consultative status at the International Maritime Organization.

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 that is grounded in technical expertise and operational evidence.”

Rick Boom, President of CIMAC, said:

“CIMAC collaborates closely with international partners to drive solutions for maritime transformation, contribute technical expertise to regulatory processes, and accelerate the decarbonisation of shipping. Its 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 speed the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future for shipping.”