In focus: In pressing need for GHG reduction, vessel decarbonization efforts power ahead

In a pressing need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the shipping sector and offshore vessel services providers are certainly the protagonists in the whole decarbonization story. However, although we are seeing an increasing number of initiatives, we still have a long way to go.

A report by University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) states that there is a “pressing” need for significant improvement in energy efficiency in the global shipping industry by 2030 and that achieving the near-term target requires a step change in energy efficiency.

Specifically, the report suggests a need for approximately 40 per cent improvement in efficiency compared to 2018 or a 55-60 per cent increase in efficiency compared to the fleet’s average efficiency in 2008, regardless of how new fuels enter the global fleet.

Luckily, the shipping industry is not holding its horses and companies worldwide are ramping up their efforts to reach their own decarbonization goals, contributing to global net-zero targets.

In that context, DNV and Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support their effort to set science-based targets for their net-zero goals and strengthen their commitment to tackling climate change.

The Egyptian company is setting the targets within the framework of the “Egypt Vision 2030” national plan to reach the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with the 1.5°C pathway of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Another “green” MoU was inked in the states earlier this week when eight maritime industry majors agreed to study the establishment of a comprehensive and competitive supply chain for the provision of green ammonia ship-to-ship bunkering on the U.S. East Coast.

Two world firsts were achieved during this week now almost behind us. Namely, DNV reported on 5 April that it had awarded the first-ever Abate-Ready notation for a jack-up unit to Dubai-based Vahana Marine Solutions DMCC’s self-propelled rig.

The notation is designed to assist owners and operators of offshore units in identifying and implementing measures that can lead to reductions in GHG emissions.

The second milestone was achieved in Rotterdam as Singapore-based ship management company Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and the Dutch maritime technology company Value Maritime completed their first-ever CO2 liquid bunkering.

The operation took place with the Mon-Desir bunker barge, making EPS’ managed vessel M/T Pacific Cobalt ready to capture carbon.

The Asia Pacific region always has its place in the headlines, but this week it took the spotlight. China launched its first-ever hydrogen fuel cell-powered boat, named Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat No. 1. Built by Jianglong Shipbuilding for Yangtze Power, the vessel is powered by a 500 kW hydrogen fuel cell, working in tandem with an 1800 kW·h lithium battery system.

Furthermore, Singapore shipowner Consort Bunkers signed a contract with China Merchants Industry Nanjing Jinling Shipyard for six 6,500-ton methanol fuel bunkering ships.

In the neighborhood, Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) and compatriot Akasaka Diesels signed a technical agreement to promote the development and popularization of next-generation fuel engines.

Speaking about the offshore wind market, big news came from Romania. Namely, on 5 April, the keel-laying ceremony was held for Prysmian’s new cable-laying vessel at Vard’s shipyard in Tulcea.

For this 171-meter vessel, the Italian cabling giant doubled the hybrid propulsion battery capacity to 3.0 MW in order to reduce emissions and consumption and improve its overall eco-friendliness.