8 September 2025, Copenhagen – A new insight brief published today by the Global Maritime Forum highlights Kenya’s potential in the production and use of zero-emission fuels for the shipping industry. The report titled ‘Powering clean shipping: Kenya in the global power-to-x economy’ examines the country’s renewable energy resources and opportunities to develop scalable electro-fuels such as e-ammonia and e-methanol.
The study has been funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH’s International Power-to-X Hub and written in collaboration with the Kenya Maritime Authority, IMO GreenVoyage2050, the University of Maritime Advisory Studies (UMAS), and national expert Dr. Evan Murimi. It draws on extensive research, including workshops in Mombasa and Nairobi, interviews with over 20 government, industry, and civil society stakeholders, and detailed economic and technical analysis.
Kenya’s abundant wind, solar, and geothermal resources provide a strong foundation for the competitive production of e-fuels, with the potential to supply both domestic maritime demand and international markets. The brief highlights key strategic priorities for unlocking this potential, including fostering partnerships across public and private sectors, stimulating demand through green shipping corridors, and advancing pilot projects at Kenyan ports ahead of 2030.
“Kenya is committed to harnessing its abundant renewable resources to drive a green transition in shipping, starting with our ports,” said Justus Omae Nyarandi, Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority. “By advancing e-fuels through power-to-x technologies, we can respond to the rising global demand for low-carbon shipping and prepare for the International Maritime Organization’s mid-term measures. Developing a green shipping corridor offers Kenya the opportunity to stimulate demand for these fuels while strengthening trade routes with our international partners. For exports such as cut flowers, coffee, and tea, this transition will not only reduce emissions but also create wider benefits for Kenyan communities.”
The brief represents a year-long collaboration aimed at accelerating Kenya’s transition to a sustainable maritime future.