Future of Transport Policy Brief

FUTURE OF TRANSPORT | La Jolla Conference 30 th Anniversary Policy Brief

Case-by-case solutions: There is no panacea for addressing the diverse set of challenges that the future of maritime transport faces, and solutions must be catered to the needs of individual ships and industries. Maritime fuels: Currently the fuel of choice for many operators is heavy fuel, as it is readily available, reliable, and cheap. Liquified natural gas is cleaner than these heavy fuels, but lack of infrastructure, pricing, and safety issues suggest that it is most likely to be a transitional fuel. Hydrogen and ammonia, among others, are poised to be the fuels of the future; however, there is currently the need for the development of infrastructure around which to produce and transport these fuels. Air Transport

What does the future of air transport look like?

Safety: The main objective of the future of air transport is to ensure the safety and security of human lives. Geopolitical instability, terrorism, emissions, and noise pollution are the main factors that are driving change in the industry today. Technology: Improvements in engine efficiency and hull design could result in an estimated 40% efficiency gain, as 30% of the cost of air transport is fuel-based. Unmanned aerial vehicles, zero-emissions planes, and a move toward electrification could further improve safety and efficiency. Challenges: Electrification of air travel has not progressed as much as land- and sea-based transport, as the aviation industry has struggled with the most appropriate technology to make the shift seen in maritime and land transport. The COVID pandemic and heightened focus on reducing emissions might quicken the pace of development and adoption of new technology.

FUTURE OF TRANSPORT | INSTITUTE OF THE AMERICAS