Shipping
High science on the high seas
Advancing new technologies for lower-emission fuels
Welcome aboard
Creating new fuels to help cut maritime emissions
Marine fuel used in the global shipment of goods is undergoing a tremendous change. In helping to facilitate that change, ExxonMobil has engineered breakthrough lower-emission fuels like the EMF.5 that are helping meet the International Marine Organization’s environmental standards. Longer term, we're formulating new solutions to help put the industry on a path to cut emissions from port to port now and in the future. Learn more about what we're doing to advance lower-emission marine fuels.
We are developing the lower-emission solutions that will help our customers meet the International Maritime Organization’s 2050 emissions targets.
Helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions in shipping
ExxonMobil completed sea trials of its first marine biofuel oil, which, compared to conventional marine fuels, could lower CO2 emissions by as much 40%.*
*Benefit compared to conventional petroleum-based VLSFO, calculated on an energy basis. Well-to-wake CO2 emissions reduction calculated using Directive 2009/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council Annex IV C. 1 and MEPC 66/21 Annex 5”
Working to lower emissions
Creating a new marine fuel involves a commitment to fundamental science, a push for new technologies and a dedication to find new ways to cut emissions. Today, we are working with partners to help develop a new marine biofuel, an initiative that could have a lasting impact on greenhouse gas emissions.
Further reducing emissions
Global maritime trade represents 90 percent of all goods shipped — making lower-emission fuels essential in this sector.
A complete offering
We have a full suite of marine fuels and lubricants, including cylinder, hydraulic lubricants and low-sulfur bunker fuel. We have this covered from bow to stern.
Solutions for all types of vessels
Our solutions aren’t just for the deep sea. ExxonMobil provides solutions for inland and coastal shipping, as well as cruise and ferry vessels.
Refining low-sulfur fuels
Our refineries in Antwerp, Rotterdam, Singapore and other areas have the capacity to produce maritime fuel that meets today’s strictest International Marine Organization regulations.
A deeper dive
From farm leftovers to biofuel
Imagine turning agricultural leftovers into low-emission biofuel. That is, taking plant parts like inedible cornstalks and fueling our cars, trucks, boats and planes. ExxonMobil and its partners at Clariant and Genomatica are working together as part of an ambitious research program to do just that.Trucking Energy Factor • Feb. 13, 2020
One-of-a-kind partners working on breakthrough innovations
No single company, organization or institution has all the answers when it comes to developing tomorrow’s low-emission energy. That’s why global energy company ExxonMobil is partnering with a range of organizations – including a leading biotechnology company to develop next-generation biofuels and a boutique technology company looking to vacuum carbon dioxide straight from the sky.Aviation Energy Factor • Oct. 25, 2019
From petri dish to pond: Algae farming, in pictures
Researching algae takes science, sunshine, some very large ponds and the right kind of algae. Scaling algae production to have the technical ability to produce 10,000 barrels of algae biofuel a day is an ambitious target.Shipping Energy Factor • Aug. 2, 2019
Patrick Hanks: Algae engineer
If you had told me a few years ago that one day I’d be farming algae with the hope of creating a reliable, low-emission energy source, I probably would have been a little skeptical. But that’s exactly what I do. I’m a chemical engineer, and my job, like every engineer, is to solve problems for a better future.Shipping Energy Factor • July 22, 2019
Partnering with outside minds to transform energy
To meet the world’s ever-growing energy demand and reduce the risk of climate change, ExxonMobil is forging research partnerships across industries and academia. Two areas of focus include the development of low-emission biofuels and of cost-effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.Shipping Energy Factor • June 28, 2019
Working on tomorrow’s biofuel
Viridos, Inc. (formerly Synthetic Genomics, Inc.) and ExxonMobil have worked together for a decade now, driven by a single goal: Create a pathway to refine algae oils into low-emission diesel that can power trucks, boats, even planes.Aviation Energy Factor • May 28, 2019
Investing on dry land to reduce emissions at sea
The world’s fleet of cargo ships plays a vital role in our lives, as almost 90 percent of international cargo gets delivered by sea. From food to furniture, and fuel to pharmaceuticals – if you buy a product which came from another country, it is likely to have travelled by cargo ship.Shipping Energy Factor • May 23, 2019
Sunrise to sunset: 24 hours at an algae farm
At a research farm nestled in Southern California’s Imperial County, Viridos, Inc. (formerly Synthetic Genomics, Inc.) and ExxonMobil are cultivating acres of energy-rich algae. Their goal: Have the technical ability to produce 10,000 barrels a day of low-emission algae biofuel.Trucking Energy Factor • Dec. 4, 2018