The Irish fishing fleet includes almost 2,000 registered vessels operating across a wide range of sizes and fishing methods.
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A new report published by seafood development agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), in collaboration with Noel O’Regan of Promara Ltd, sets out a range of possible climate action measures that could support the decarbonisation of Ireland’s fishing fleet.
The report, "Climate Action Readiness in the Irish Fishing Fleet", presents a variety of technical solutions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption without negatively impacting vessel performance or profitability.
The study highlights the diversity of the Irish fleet, which includes almost 2,000 registered vessels operating across a wide range of sizes and fishing methods.
This diversity, combined with the ageing profile of many vessels, presents both challenges and opportunities for climate adaptation, BIM notes. The report argues that no single solution will apply universally, and instead proposes a "menu" of options that can be tailored to specific vessel types and operational contexts.
Drawing on 29 case studies from Ireland and other countries, the report explores existing and emerging technologies, including alternative fuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil and methanol, electric and hybrid propulsion systems, digital fuel monitoring tools, and wind-assisted propulsion.
Examples of vessels highlighted in the report include "Veronica", an Irish hybrid pelagic vessel, a traditional Galway "Gleoiteog" fishing boat retrofitted with an electric engine, a Scottish vessel powered by solar and battery systems, and "Karoline", one of the world’s first battery-powered fishing boats operating in Norway.
Some of the technologies featured are still in the early stages of commercial development, such as hydrogen fuel cells and liquefied natural gas engines. However, the report also identifies several short- to medium-term actions that are readily available. These include the use of digital fuel monitoring systems, regular engine maintenance and tuning, vessel speed optimisation, hull cleaning, and the adoption of lighter and more selective fishing gear.
These measures have been shown to contribute to reduced emissions, lower fuel costs, and improved operational efficiency, BIM said.
For smaller vessels in the inshore sector, of which more than 500 are under six metres in length, the transition from petrol outboards to electric motors is presented as a potentially viable and impactful change. Systems already in use have demonstrated suitable range and reliability for daily fishing activities, BIM states.
Despite the range of solutions presented, the report underlines that several barriers continue to hinder broader adoption. These include the high costs associated with retrofitting, limited availability of alternative fuels and shore-based power infrastructure, and regulatory uncertainty.
To address these challenges, the authors call for targeted investment in infrastructure, clear regulatory support, and pilot programmes to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of various approaches.
The report concludes that while the energy transition in the fishing sector is still at an early stage, clear trends are emerging. It emphasises that with appropriate support, the sector can reduce its environmental impact while maintaining economic viability.
The full report is available on the BIM website.
