I’m probably as rational as the next person when it comes to navigating our household’s energy transition. We still own a petrol-powered car, and our home is essentially heated by a natural gas boiler. There is no doubt in our minds that we will have to change – and we fully acknowledge the necessity of doing so. But when?
I honestly don’t know. Investment costs aside, every new government seems to fuel my doubts about the path toward an all-electric, emission-free future. I don’t expect steering the future to be plain sailing for anyone. But as a citizen, is a bit of consistency in rules and regulations really too much to ask?
No matter what your answer is, the discussion can go in many directions from here. In today’s world, facts too often become just another opinion once politics enter the stage. That may not be much of a problem on a personal level, but on a global scale the consequences are becoming hard to ignore.
Still, we must at least try. With a background in mechanical engineering myself, I find it reassuring that so many around the world remain committed to staying the course. The irreversible fuel transition under way in the global shipping sector depends on their will and determination to make it happen.
Also read: SWZ|Maritime’s November 2025 issue: Roaring twenties
From hydrogen to nuclear
This December issue of SWZ|Maritime is our yearly testament to their new and ongoing efforts. Editor Annelinde Gerritsen reports – in Dutch – on ambitious projects, the current situation, and developments within the Dutch Maritime Master Plan, which recognises that incentives are a far better way to gain traction than threats and tariffs.
There is the work of eleven researchers involved in the SH2IPDRIVE consortium, who are exploring hydrogen as a maritime fuel. With this sneak preview you won’t have to wait for the freely accessible symposium next year to learn about their insights. Looking beyond shipping, we cover Allseas’ determination to develop small modular nuclear reactors for offshore vessels as well as on-land applications. An ambitious timeline is in place. Any doubts?
There is of course nothing harder than predicting the future. But the shipping industry is fully aware of its responsibilities. From all at SWZ|Maritime we wish you a wonderful festive season and best wishes for you and your loved ones in the year to come. And all the best with your personal resolutions.
This is editor-in-chief Robin Zander’s editorial accompanying the December 2025 issue.
Also read: SWZ|Maritime’s October 2025 issue: Looking forward
SWZ app and archive
Our digital archive is available to subscribers both online and in our new app (available for Android and Iphone) and they can read the digitial version of our December issue there. Not yet a subscriber? Visit our subscription page.
Also read: SWZ|Maritime’s September 2025 issue: Royal Netherlands Navy in transition
The articles in SWZ|Maritime’s December issue
In addition to the regular sections such as Dutch news, Global news, Markets, Book reviews and Mars Report, the articles in the December issue are:
- Brandstoftransitie krijgt voorzichtig meer vaart
- Nuclear power at sea
- De brandstoftransitie in de zeevaart in beweging
- Wind-driven innovations in ship design
- Ammoniak als duurzame scheepsbrandstof
- How 11 researchers power hydrogen in maritime
- Retrofits: Making ships more efficient and cleaner
- Ship finance, short sea and the road to 2050
- CEDA – Enter the Seadragon
- CEDA – Paraguay-Paraná waterway
Picture: Ocean Infinity’s Armada 7806 is the sixth vessel in a series prepared for green ammonia as a fuel and fuel cell and battery technology on board. The vessel is also prepared for another transition, towards unmanned operation (photo Flying Focus).
Also read: SWZ|Maritime’s July/August 2025 issue: Nautics and the biggest nautical event SAIL
