By Gerson Hakey Nasau
The maritime industry is undergoing its most radical transformation in a century. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and stringent regulations like FuelEU Maritime and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) coming into force, shipowners and operators must adapt or risk losing access to key markets.
For Namibia, a nation heavily reliant on its fishing and marine diamond shipping industries, the shift to green fuels such as e-methanol is no longer optional but a strategic necessity.
Last week, during its 83rd session held from April 7–11, 2025, the IMO approved draft regulations aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by around 2050. These measures, collectively known as the IMO Net-Zero Framework, are set to be formally adopted in October 2025 and are expected to enter into force in 2027.
Ships will be required to reduce their annual GHG fuel intensity over time, calculated using a well-to-wake approach. This means assessing emissions from the production to the consumption of fuel. Vessels emitting above set thresholds must acquire remedial units to balance their excess emissions. Conversely, ships utilizing zero or near-zero GHG technologies may receive financial incentives.
Namibia’s maritime sector, particularly its fishing and marine diamond industries, heavily relies on international shipping. With the new IMO regulations targeting ships over 5,000 gross tonnage—which account for 85% of CO₂ emissions from international shipping—Namibian exporters must adapt swiftly. Non-compliance could result in increased operational costs due to the need to purchase remedial units or face potential trade barriers, especially with regions implementing strict environmental standards.
Singapore, the epicentre of marine fuel bunkering has sent ripples through the global shipping world with its March 2025 call for e-methanol suppliers. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced that from 2026, it will require marine fuels with significantly lower life-cycle emissions, prioritizing e-methanol and ammonia.
Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting proposals for the supply of e-methanol as a marine bunker fuel, aiming to implement end-to-end methanol bunkering solutions from 2025.
This move aligns with the global shipping industry’s shift towards cleaner fuels to meet decarbonization targets. Singapore, which supplies around 20% of global marine fuels, is investing heavily in e-methanol and ammonia bunkering, setting a benchmark for emerging maritime nations.
Namibia, with its abundant solar and wind resources, is targeting the production of 10–12 million tonnes per annum of hydrogen equivalent by 2050, including derivatives like e-methanol. The country’s strategic location and commitment to green energy make it a viable partner for countries like Singapore’s methanol bunkering ambitions.
This is a wake-up call for Namibia. With its coastline, abundant sun and wind, and desert-farmed biogenic CO₂ sources, Namibia is one of the few African nations well-positioned to supply e-methanol to Singapore with initiatives like the SKORPION Project—Namibia’s first e-methanol production pilot facility near Swakopmund.
Leading maritime engine manufacturers like Wärtsilä, MAN Energy Solutions, and Caterpillar are rapidly developing engines capable of running on e-fuels. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (2024), there are already over 250 methanol-capable vessels on order globally, with major bunkering hubs like Singapore preparing infrastructure to support e-methanol by 2026.
At Singapore Maritime Week 2025, industry leaders emphasized that retrofitting existing engines will be as critical as building new green vessels. The transition isn’t just about new ships—it’s about upgrading the current fleet to meet decarbonization targets.
Namibia’s economy is deeply intertwined with its maritime activities. The fishing industry and marine diamond mining are significant contributors to the nation’s GDP and employment. However, the new international regulations mean that vessels operating with traditional fossil fuels will face substantial penalties, potentially up to £290 per tonne of CO₂ emitted.
For Namibian exporters, especially those relying on shipping routes to the EU and other regulated regions, non-compliance could result in increased operational costs, reduced competitiveness, and potential trade barriers.If Namibia’s fleet remains dependent on conventional fuels, its fish exports to Europe and diamond shipments could become less competitive.
Namibia’s Fisheries and Marine Resources, key players like Debmarine Namibia, must act swiftly. The country’s fishing fleet and diamond transport vessels could face growing pressure from EU regulations (FuelEU Maritime) such that ships calling at EU ports must progressively reduce emissions or pay penalties and high-carbon exports (including shipping-dependent goods) could face tariffs.
The shift towards low- and zero-emission fuels presents an opportunity for Namibia to invest in and develop projects for alternative fuels like e-methanol. Collaborations with companies such as Wärtsilä, which manufactures engines compatible with green fuels and has dedicated decarbonization departments, can facilitate this transition.
By aligning with global efforts, Namibia can ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of its maritime exports. By collaborating with such technology providers, Namibian shipping companies can retrofit existing vessels or invest in new, eco-friendly ships, ensuring compliance with international standards and avoiding hefty penalties.African shipowners must engage with e-fuel producers and engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) now to secure future-proof supply chains.
The green shipping revolution is accelerating, and Namibia has a choice: lead or be left behind. By aligning with global OEMs, investing in e-fuel infrastructure, and crafting forward-thinking policies, the country can safeguard its fishing and diamond shipping industries while securing a competitive edge in a decarbonizing world.
Transitioning to green fuels is not just a regulatory necessity but also an opportunity for innovation and sustainability. The global tide is turning. And Namibia, whose maritime sector underpins a significant share of its economy, must ride the wave or be caught in the undertow of economic penalties and stranded assets.
As the shipping world braces for unprecedented changes in fuel standards, Namibia’s maritime economy must act swiftly or risk being left behind. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announcing carbon penalties and Singapore, the world’s busiest refuelling port, officially calling for e-methanol suppliers to decarbonize global shipping, Namibia’s fishing and marine diamond sectors are entering a new regulatory era.
For Namibia, which exports fish, marine diamonds, and raw materials primarily by sea, this poses a serious challenge. Any vessel using fossil fuels in its propulsion will carry a heavy financial burden, affecting the competitiveness of Namibian exports, unless they transition to clean fuels.
Namibian companies using chartered vessels for export from fishing corporations to diamond shipping firms must urgently align with local or international producers of green fuels.
This includes investing in or partnering with e-fuel producers like Kaoko or other regional clean energy providers. Otherwise, they face a bleak future of rising carbon taxes and exclusion from lucrative markets. Failure to do so risks not just non-compliance, but economic isolation in a world rapidly embracing decarbonization.
Namibia has the natural resources, geopolitical relevance, and innovation to lead the green maritime transition in Africa. The door is wide open. With Singapore, the IMO, and the EU now aligning their policies and funding toward a cleaner maritime future, Namibia must either become a green fuel hub or face the rising costs of falling behind.
Namibia’s seas are rich, not just in fish and diamonds, but now, in potential. The world is setting sail towards e-methanol. Will Namibia be aboard?
*Gerson Hakey Nasau is Co-founder at Kaoko Green Energy Solutions (Pty) Ltd
