Transitioning from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to cleaner options like marine gas oil (MGO), marine diesel oil (MDO), and low-sulphur distillates has been crucial in meeting the 0.50% sulphur limit. However, ensuring consistent availability and managing potentially higher prices of IMO 2020-compliant fuels are limiting factors.

The search for even more sustainable solutions continues, with biofuels like biodiesel, green diesel, and hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) emerging as potential alternatives alongside hydrogen and methanol. However, widespread adoption hinges on several factors, some of these are enumerated below: