As efforts to fight climate change have become a greater global priority, the marine industry is given the chance to hop into the driver’s seat. Though shipping is not the greatest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, marine pollution remains a noteworthy problem that must be addressed internationally. Recent research shows that a single container ship (among 90,000 cargo ships worldwide that use heavy bunker fuels) can potentially emit as many chemicals as an estimated 50 million cars.
In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other similar groups are facilitating the creation and adoption of new regulations that are cooperatively meant to cut emissions by 20% by 2020. But more innovative companies in the field are taking matters into their own hands in order to stay ahead of the pack. From implementing modern marine propulsion systems to developing and leveraging alternative fuel sources, firms in the marine business are making strides to embrace the ecology movement. With that said, here are five impactful ways marine industry players can turn over a new, greener leaf.
1. Utilize electric power systems to reduce fuel consumption. In order to effectively reduce CO2 emissions, it’s critical to lower the amount of fuel a shipping vessel consumes. Vessels driven by more efficient electrical propulsion systems ultimately use up less fuel and release fewer harmful greenhouse gases into the environment relative to mechanically driven ships – while they’re also still able to transport the same tonnage.
Building ships equipped with the latest in electrical propulsion technology is the obvious eco-friendly step (and it’s certainly the trend these days), but it’s also possible to upgrade systems on old ships currently in use. According to GE Power Conversion, the USS Makin Island replaced its outdated system with a GE electrical and gas hybrid, saving an estimated $15 million in fuel over the course of seven months. Therefore, it’s evident converting to an electric source of power and propulsion not only has a positive impact on the environment, but it directly benefits shipping companies and governments, as well – providing further incentive to do so.
2. Invest in liquefied nitrogen gas. As marine industry leaders collectively make a conscious effort to invest in alternative energy sources in lieu of traditional fossil fuels, the market has its sights set on liquefied nitrogen gas (LNG). Not only does the use of LNG reduce sulfur oxide emissions by an estimated 90-95 percent, this power source contains a significantly lower amount of carbon content in comparison to other fuel types.
However, while natural gas is a cost-efficient and arguably eco-friendly alternative, integrating its use on a global scale will require substantial infrastructure investment. Today, there are only about 30 LNG-powered vessels in service worldwide. But with the reduced emissions and operating costs that accompany incorporating LNG, the development of the necessary commercial bunkering barge designs is becoming a priority, and a widespread increase in dialogue surrounding LNG’s application as a fuel is rising to the surface.
3. Promote ballast water treatment. In order to maintain stability and increase maneuverability of a ship, gallons upon gallons (sometimes millions) of ballast water are pumped into ballast tanks after a ship has delivered cargo to a port and is departing with less or no cargo (thus, compensating for the change in weight). This water is taken from the local port areas and transported with the ship to the next destination, at which point it is customarily discharged or exchanged. The problem? Ballast water discharge contains a variety of biological materials – plants, animals, viruses, and bacteria – often including non-native species which cause extensive ecological damage to the local aquatic environment.
Throughout the 90s, the IMO passed several resolutions to combat this global issue, and after 14 long years of complex negotiations between IMO Member States, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) was adopted by consensus at a Diplomatic Conference held at the IMO Headquarters in 2004. The Convention requires all ships to implement a ballast water management plan, keep a ballast water record book, and carry out ballast water management procedures to a given standard. This document has been ratified by 30 national governments, representing approximately 35 percent of world merchant shipping tonnage. But there is still more work to be done. Marine industry leader Maersk is one of several early adopters leading by example, promoting sustainable shipping practices – including their ballast water management technology.
4. Upgrade dynamic positioning systems. Dynamic positioning (DP) refers to a computer-controlled system that automatically maintains a vessel’s fixed position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters – typically employed by offshore drilling units, oceanographic research vessels, cruise ships etc. In the past, dynamic positioning systems were inefficient in terms of fuel consumption. Today, however, there are new technologies available that use predictive software in order to calculate and anticipate position variation, thereby limiting thrust changes when keeping a shipping vessel still and reducing the amount of fuel necessary to carry out DP-related tasks.
5. Modernize hull and propeller designs. Yet another emission-reducing method includes streamlining the designs of ships so they can move faster in the water without using as much fuel. By optimizing the form of the hull to allow for rearranging of equipment stored inside, drag is reduced and fuel efficiency is increased by up to 10%. The integration of GE’s compact podded thruster design Inovelis™ and other innovations in marine power machinery design like the MAN Diesel & Turbo retrofit propeller contribute to this positive change.
In a time where engaging in eco-friendly practices is of the utmost importance – not only for the sake of the environment, but for businesses to remain competitive, profitable and compliant with governmental and global policies, it is innovations in green technology and sustainable systems like these that will drive the industry forward into a brighter, safer future.
Buying or selling in the marine market? Check out Depco’s YouTube channel to learn more about our marine power business. We can help!
Sources referenced: GE Power Conversion, IMO.org, Maersk, and The American Oil & Gas Reporter
