Decarbonization is one of the greatest global challenges, with significantimplications for industry, agriculture, and maritime transport. Within the maritime sector, which carries approximately 90% of European trade, the transition toward alternative fuels marks a pivotal "Era of Change" driven by accelerating biodiversity loss and escalating oceanic thermal stress. While the maritime industry is indispensable to global commerce, its carbon footprint remains a primary environmental concern. The emissions generated by shipping are a major concern because of their impact on the environment. Studies reveal that while ammonia substitution offers a viable pathway for reducing CO₂ emissions, it introduces secondary environmental risks, specifically anincrease in NO₂ emissions due to the high fuel-bound nitrogen content. The present world is characterised by multiple uncertainties and risks, which may cause serious disruptions to maritime transport. As maritime transport systems become obsolete, they become more vulnerable. Therefore, enhancing the resilience of maritime transport requires developing reliable methods and approaches. Alternative fuels are becoming crucial to the vision of green shipping and decarbonisation. This technique, together with carbon taxes, will have a long-term impact on reducing carbon emissions. Contemporary marine propulsion systems are increasingly engineered for high thermal efficiency and multi-fuel adaptability, allowing vessels to transition between energy sources based on global market availability. For marine engines, different types are proposed. Some, such as biofuels and LNG (liquefied natural gas), are seen as short-term solutions, while the fuel sources of the future will be electronic fuels, methanol, and ammonia. This paper highlights the necessity of securing a sustainable future for European coastal navigation through decarbonization and the adoption of alternative fuels for the maritime sector. At the same time, this study outlines the need for interdisciplinary research into alternative solutions for navigating coastal regions, such as fuel cells, gas turbines and e-fuels.