The Week in Alt Fuels: From multi-fuel to flexibility in International Shipping News 23/05/2026 As fuel regulations, infrastructure and bunker economics remain uncertain, shipowners appear to be seeking fuel flexibility without long-term commitments. Engine maker Everllence has developed a modular engine platform that can operate on conventional fuels while also allowing shipowners to retrofit to either methane or methanol dual-fuel propulsion when they think the time is right. Everllence said the system architecture enables conversion between fuel types without requiring an entirely new engine design. “Today’s shipowners are navigating a dual challenge: advancing the energy transition while safeguarding energy security and commercial resilience,” said Bjarne Foldager, head of two-stroke business at Everllence. “What we are seeing… is not a shift towards a single fuel but a clear preference for flexibility,” he said. Regulatory uncertainty, volatile global energy markets, uneven low- and zero-emission fuel supply and higher green premiums over conventional fuels continue to shape investment decisions. Fuel flexibility is becoming increasingly important for shipowners looking to invest in alternative fuel-capable vessels without committing to a single fuel option. While the IMO has approved a draft Net-Zero Framework, uncertainty remains around the final shape of global greenhouse gas price mechanism, fuel standards and implementation timelines. At the same time, regional regulations such as the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime are already reshaping bunker economics for some trading routes, vessel segments and fuel types. For many shipowners, the challenge is no longer simply choosing the “right” future fuel, but ensuring vessels remain commercially viable regardless of how fuel supply chains or regulations evolve over time. Danish shipping firm A.P. Moller–Maersk tested 100% ethanol (E100) on one of its methanol dual-fuel containerships in the first quarter. “…successful