Will there be advances in the shipping sector towards reducing carbon emissions, given that international regulations are yet to be set?
The shipping industry is making strides towards a greener future, with a focus on wind power and efficiency measures as immediate solutions to reduce emissions and combat climate change.
Traditional methods of cleaning a ship's hull, which help reduce drag and fuel use, have long been problematic. They are dangerous, polluting, and remove toxic compounds found in antifouling paint. However, innovative technologies are emerging to address these concerns.
ECOsubsea, a small Norway-based company, uses underwater robots to clean hulls and capture debris. Most vessels using this technology have reported savings of 5% or more on fuel costs. Another solution is air lubrication, a newer hull technology that involves coating the hull with a layer of air bubbles to reduce friction.
Wind assistance technologies are also gaining traction. Rotor sails, tall, spinning cylinders, are a major wind assistance technology used in ship design. OceanWings builds sails resembling airplane wings for ships, which have been used on a 121-meter cargo ship for the past two years.
Advanced navigation systems, such as those offered by D-ICE Engineering, are another key player in decarbonization efforts. D-ICE's system, which includes software and light hardware, has been installed on a cargo ship named Canopée, providing a reported 30-35% reduction in fuel use. D-ICE's system also incorporates autopilot speed control, a major operational lever for decarbonization.
Digital-first design, which embeds operational requirements from the start, is crucial to efficiency in ship design. This approach is being adopted by companies like FRANKEN-CONSULTING in Germany, which uses AI for process optimization to reduce operational costs and improve quality. Startups like SQUAKE also focus on reducing emissions and increasing sustainability in logistics chains, indirectly contributing to efficiency gains in maritime transport.
Slow steaming, or reducing ship speed, is a significant efficiency measure for reducing emissions. Vessels spend 4-6% of their operating time waiting at anchor, according to a report published in December by University College London and UMAS. Technologies like Blue Visby Solution aim towards "just-in-time arrival" and can reduce emissions up to 15%.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is at the forefront of these changes. The IMO is expected to vote on a "net-zero framework" in October, which would require vessels to reduce emissions intensity. The IMO also has less-heralded short-term measures that more directly incentivize efficiency measures.
These changes are not without challenges. The short-term negotiations are highly technical and are dominated by industry actors, with only a few national delegations and NGOs involved. The impact of "split incentives" on decarbonization efforts goes beyond "sail fast then wait."
Despite these challenges, the shipping industry is making significant strides towards a greener future. The focus on wind power and efficiency measures is a testament to the industry's commitment to reducing emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future. The IMO's upcoming vote on a "net-zero framework" in October could mark a turning point in this journey.
