An analysis by the Maritime Oslofjord Alliance claims that since approximately 15% of existing tankers, bulkers, and container ships have electronically controlled main engines, they could potentially be viable for a conversion on what fuel runs the vessel.
The analysis, carried out by Svein Helge Guldteig of Ocean Consulting AS, concludes that most shipping ships must adopt operational and technical measures as the most viable route to emissions reduction for the next three to five years. By showing its readers not only facts, but a timeline as well, the analysis, otherwise known as, Transition in Shipping (TIS), brings attention to a false narrative that many blindly believed.
Many ship operators considering engine power limitation as a compliance method to satisfy upcoming IMO standards in January would enjoy the conclusion that decreasing ship speed “is the most potent technique to reduce emissions.”
After gaining its funding through the Oslo Maritime Foundation and Oslo Shipowners’ Association, the study revealed that ships in the three categories of more than 5,000dwt account for approximately 80% of greenhouse gas emitted by the world fleet of around 94,000 vessels. The analysis used that information to show that about one-fifth of that fleet consumes almost two-thirds of all fuel used in shipping.
The analysis brushes over obstacles the change will face, including investment risk and access to competent seafarers are two further issues highlighted in the report. The report also notes that finding qualified personnel to operate the vessels with more advanced control systems will likely prove another challenge while minding the limited shipyard capacity in new construction and repair or conversion.
The TIS estimated a 10% speed reduction for a typical merchant vessel but can cut emissions by 27%. In comparison, a 20% reduction from 15 to 12 knots could cut fuel burn by as much as 50%. The analysis says that a drop in either bio-fuels or e-fuels offers other operational measures. Other options include modifying and optimizing the hull and propulsion systems by installing energy-saving devices and retuning the main engine for reduced load optimization.
