Editorial of Ship&Offshore 04/2025: A convergence of expertise

As the industry prepares for the 31st CIMAC Congress in Zurich in May, the conversations shaping the future of power generation, ship propulsion, and heavy transportation are more critical than ever. With over 700 experts expected to gather, the event will showcase advances in digitalisation, decarbonisation, engine optimisation, and cutting-edge engineering. The urgency for innovation is evident – stricter emissions regulations, the push for net-zero goals, and evolving market demands are transforming how we think about the future of propulsion.

Historically, large combustion engines have been the backbone of global transportation and power. Whether driving cargo ships across oceans, powering locomotives, or generating electricity in remote areas, their role has been indispensable. However, the industry now faces mounting pressure to adapt. Regulatory frameworks such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) emissions targets and the European Union’s Fit for 55 Package are pushing manufacturers and operators to rethink traditional fuel sources and engine efficiency.

The quest for alternative fuels is at the heart of this transformation. LNG, ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels are all being explored as potential options to reduce carbon footprints. But the challenge is immense – each fuel presents technical, economic, and logistical hurdles. LNG, for instance, offers lower CO₂ emissions than conventional marine fuels but emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in the combustion process. Ammonia and hydrogen, while promising, require entirely new storage and handling infrastructure, raising concerns about cost, safety and feasibility. Engine manufacturers are responding with hybrid solutions, combining traditional internal combustion engines with batteryelectric and fuel cell technology. Retrofitting existing engines to improve efficiency and reduce emissions is another major focus area. The concept of dual-fuel engines, capable of running on both traditional and alternative fuels, continues to gain traction as a transitional step towards a greener future.

Beyond fuels, digitalisation is reshaping the way engines are operated and maintained. Predictive maintenance, enabled by artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics, is reducing downtime and improving efficiency. Sensors and remote monitoring allow operators to optimise fuel consumption, detect faults early, and extend engine lifespans. The CIMAC Congress will highlight how these developments are not only enhancing performance but also making operations more sustainable.

While technological advancements are promising, the road to widespread implementation is complex. The maritime and energy sectors are rather conservative, with long investment cycles and significant financial stakes in existing infrastructure. Transitioning to new fuels and engine technologies requires cooperation between manufacturers, fuel suppliers, policymakers, and end users. Incentives, subsidies, and regulatory clarity will be essential to accelerate the shift.

As Zurich becomes the epicentre of the large engine industry, the discussions held there are expected to influence global strategies for years to come. The convergence of expertise, from fundamental research to real-world applications, makes CIMAC a crucial platform for driving meaningful change. The stakes are high – beyond business interests, the future of global transportation and energy depends on the ability of large engine stakeholders to innovate responsibly and efficiently.

This year’s technical programme once again holds an impressive 220+ presentations plus about 60 poster sessions and 20 Pecha Kuchas, reflecting the variety of topics. The extensive programme and much more can be easily accessed via the event app, which will be available in all app stores from the beginning of May. Once again this year, our publishing house had the honour and pleasure of supporting the organisers of the Congress in its production.