However, the lifespan of ships is so long that it takes time to renew the fleet. Furthermore, Dutch shipowners sail a variety of routes. As such, the type of ship and the market also influence the applicability of new technology.

When it comes to so-called retrofitting – the interim modification of ships – the tricky point is that the investment is sometimes so large that it cannot always be recuperated with the contracts that shipowners have with shippers.

Traditional bank financing is not always suitable for financing business plans that are centred on innovative technology.

Sustainable business cases can be accomplished by jointly developing and implementing an R&D programme from the maritime sector, and by giving shipowners (improved) access to innovation schemes and financing. The application of new technologies on a large(er) scale is expected to lead to solutions that banks can finance better. Considering the size of the Dutch fleet and the demand for sustainability, the financing requirement is substantial.