The Conference

 

The 46th edition of the Motorship’s Propulsion & Future Fuels conference takes place in Hamburg, Germany

The Motorship’s Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference takes place from 25-27 November 2025 in Hamburg, Germany and will cover a range of topics with emphasis on the next steps for Carbon Capture and 2050 targets, and an in-depth analysis of ship operators’ future fuel considerations. The 2025 conference features high profile sessions with informative presentations from a selection of fuel and equipment manufacturers, policymakers, safety experts, shipowners, and class societies. 2025 marks the 46th anniversary of Motorship Conferences, making Propulsion & Future Fuels the longest running technical conference in the maritime sector. The conference provides senior executives with a meeting place to learn, discuss, and share knowledge of the latest developments in efficient propulsion technology and low flashpoint, low carbon fuels.

This year, the conference will be chaired by Deputy Secretary General of BIMCO, Lars Robert Pedersen and Managing Director of VDMA Large Engines, Markus Munz. There will also be sessions moderated by Gavin Allwright, Secretary, International Windship Association (IWSA) and Philipp Simmank, Technical Advisor for Climate, Marine Research & Digitalization; VDR – German Shipowners‘ Association.

The Motorship’s Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference attracts 200 attendees, from 30 countries including over 30 operators managing a combined fleet of 5,100 ships who meet to discuss practical, technical developments in the fields of propulsion technologies and alternative fuels across two conference streams.

The 46th programme will include a keynote panel focused on EU Regulatory Updates, followed by sessions that explore Ship Design for New Fuels, Nuclear Options, Next Generation LNG and the shortlisted nominations for the Motorship Awards and much more. The streamed sessions on day 1 will explore the specific challenges with Hydrogen and Fuels Cells, and Methanol.

OUR HISTORY

The Motorship Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference first launched in 2018 as a combined and enhanced event celebrating over 40 years of The Motorship’s Propulsion & Emissions Conference, and nearly 10 years of the Gas Fuelled Ships Conference.

Over 44 years The Motorship Conferences have explored the evolution of LNG and other clean, low-flashpoint fuels, and has become the conference for delegates seeking up to the minute information about future fuel frontrunners such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, ethane, VOCs, wind, biofuels and many more. With 50% absolute carbon reduction by 2050, alternative fuels are now an essential feature alongside ship owner’s propulsion and powering considerations.

During two conference days attendees benefit from insightful technical presentations either in streams or plenary sessions, with the event culminating in a technical visit on day three.

Hamburg is the location for Propulsion & Future Fuels due to its strong presence in the global shipping sector. The city boasts some of the best transport links of any European destination and sits at the heart of a robust German shipping market. Germany has the sixth largest merchant fleet in the world, with 295 shipping companies representing more than 1,900 vessels. The 89 shipping companies based in Hamburg, representing 61% of Germany’s gross tonnage, provide Propulsion and Future Fuels with a solid industry foundation.