Net Zero On The Horizon: Greening The Irish Fishing Fleet

New BIM report Charts a Path Toward a Low-Carbon Irish Fishing Fleet

(Ben Dallaghan, Emmet Jackson)

A new report from BIM and Noel O’Regan (Promara Ltd), presents a ‘menu’ of potential climate action approaches that could be adopted by the Irish fleet in the future. The report highlights a range of innovative technologies and practical solutions that can reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising on performance or profitability.

The report, Climate Action Readiness in the Irish Fishing Fleet, is now available on the BIM website www.bim.ie and showcases the diverse ways in which Ireland’s fishing sector could tackle climate change, not by adopting a single solution, but by matching different approaches to different vessel types and operations. The report includes 29 case studies featuring alternative fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and methanol, to electric propulsion, hybrid engines, digital fuel monitoring, and even wind-assisted propulsion, all demonstrating that there is no shortage of innovation in the maritime and fishing sectors.

The Irish fleet, made up of nearly 2,000 registered vessels ranging from small inshore potters to large pelagic trawlers, is uniquely diverse. The fleet is also ageing, which creates challenges for modernisation, but also opportunities to tailor solutions based on vessel size, engine type, and fishing method.

The report case studies, cover both Irish and international vessels from maritime and sea fishing fleets. These range from the Veronica, a state-of-the-art Irish hybrid pelagic vessel, to a traditional Galway Gleoiteog retrofitted with an electric engine. Also featured is a Scottish potter powered by solar and shore-charged battery, and Norway’s Karoline, one of the world’s first commercial battery-powered fishing boats.

Other examples include vessels trialling methanol, hydrogen fuel cells, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), as well as efficiency upgrades like hull streamlining and gear modifications. These case studies provide real-world examples of what is possible.

While some technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, are still emerging, the report also outlines a range of near-term measures that are both accessible and impactful. These include:

• Improved fuel monitoring using digital tools and AI

• Engine tuning and maintenance to reduce fuel consumption

• Optimised vessel speed to stay within the most efficient range

• Hull cleaning and antifouling to reduce drag

• Use of lighter, more selective fishing gear to cut fuel use during towing

Even modest improvements in these areas can result in lower emissions, reduced fuel costs, and improved catch efficiency.

For the inshore fleet, particularly the over 500 vessels under 6 metres, the switch from petrol outboards to electric motors could be both achievable and impactful. Systems such as Torqeedo’s Cruise range are already in use, with case studies showing operating ranges suitable for daily fishing.

However, the report highlights the barriers to adoption and roll out as cost, infrastructure, and regulation barriers will remain key challenges. Shore power availability is limited, alternative fuels are not yet widespread, and retrofitting older vessels can be complex and expensive. To unlock the potential of these technologies, the authors call for strategic investment in enabling infrastructure, supportive policies, and pilot programmes that can drive this innovation and push towards climate action.

This report sets out the possibilities but also the practicalities of greening the fleet. By presenting a “menu” of climate action tools from off-the-shelf solutions to emerging innovations it provides vessel owners, policy makers, and processors with a clear view of the road ahead. As one section of the report notes: “The energy transition in sea fishing is still in its early stages, but patterns are emerging. Improvements in engine efficiency, lighter gear, and reduced vessel speeds are already making a difference.” With rising fuel costs and increasing pressure to reduce emissions, Ireland’s fishing sector is already exploring these options. What is needed now is support to scale these options up to ensure the fleet remains resilient, competitive, and climate-ready for the decades ahead.