The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) is a pioneering coalition launched in September 2022 and led by Safetytech Accelerator. It unites industry leaders, technology innovators, and maritime stakeholders with a shared goal: to accelerate the development, validation, and adoption of technologies that effectively measure and abate methane emissions from LNG-fueled vessels. Amid growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures in the European Union, MAMII represents a critical response to the challenge posed by methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted notably in maritime shipping.
MAMII’s mission centers on the fundamental principle that methane emissions must first be precisely measured to be effectively reduced. The initiative focusses on exploring and validating scalable technological solutions and transparency mechanisms that enable maritime actors to monitor, calculate, and manage methane emissions throughout the marine fuel lifecycle. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among its more than 20 members—including major shipping companies, energy suppliers, and shipping technology firms—MAMII aims to position Europe at the forefront of clean shipping innovation while helping align the sector with ambitious climate targets.
Key to MAMII’s advocacy is the promotion of clear, technology-centric regulatory frameworks that incorporate methane emissions into existing and forthcoming policies such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime regulations. MAMII stresses that incentives for low-methane engines and proven abatement technologies must consider machinery efficiency and reward suppliers actively reducing methane within their well-to-tank value chains. Without such frameworks and universal measurement standards, MAMII warns that methane abatement technologies will face delays in adoption, risking Europe falling behind global competitors.
Technologically, MAMII advances solutions ranging from improved engine combustion methods and catalytic abatement systems to emerging fuel blends incorporating hydrogen to reduce methane slip. It has carried out technology trials and developed measurement guidelines to validate solutions under real maritime conditions, underpinning its recommendations with rigorous research conducted in collaboration with over 100 technology providers and maritime partners.
Financially, MAMII taps into EU funding opportunities, advocating for increased investment to scale and commercialize methane abatement technologies. This approach not only serves environmental objectives but also promises economic growth and job creation within a growing green maritime industry.
In summary, MAMII plays a strategic role in shaping the future of methane management in maritime shipping. By championing measurement accuracy, regulatory clarity, and innovation, it strives to ensure LNG-fueled shipping remains a viable pathway toward decarbonization, paving the way for zero-emission fuels while preventing unregulated methane emissions from undermining climate goals.
