The pressure on the industry is tremendous. On the one hand, the tough situation in the market forces shipping companies to keep the prices for their services at competitive levels, which mainly means they have to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. On the other hand, ever stricter international standards require investments in environmental technologies. And customers also expect the companies to demonstrate sustainable management – that is why Green Propulsion is a major focus at SMM, an international maritime trade fair, to be held in Hamburg from September 6-9 2016.
The importance of this subject is also evident from the presence of leading international experts who have accepted the invitation to speak at the global maritime environmental congress (gmec). On 6 September 2016 they will address three key issues – Harmful Air Emissions, Big Data, and Alternative Energy. Speakers include Arsenio A. Dominguez from IMO, Dr Martin Stopford from Clarksons Research, Tom Boardley from Lloyd’s Register, and Oskar Levander from Rolls Royce Marine.
Must cut emissions
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global driver in maritime environmental protection. The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is right up front in this effort, Chairman Arsenio A. Dominguez as a keynote speaker at gmec.
The way to significant reductions in emissions to the atmosphere will be addressed by David Dingle, CEO of Carnival UK, drawing on practical experience – his company has allocated more than 400 million dollars to equip more than 70 cruise ships with emission control systems and flue gas cleaning equipment that combines scrubbers for sulphur cleaning with diesel particulate filters.
The classification companies are a key partner for shipping companies in technical implementation of environment protection measures. Their experts know what really works. Tom Boardley, Executive Vice President of Lloyd’s Register, will explain at gmec where he sees opportunities for further technical improvements to achieve sustainable emission reductions.
The future belongs to Smart Shipping
Martin Stopford sees “Big Data” as the key topic for the future of the industry. As longstanding head of Clarksons Research, a maritime research and consulting company, he believes that shipping is moving into a process of fundamental change.
Smart Shipping calls for investments in tools such as sensor-controlled information, satellite communication, data storage, user-friendly apps, IT systems and automation – keeping up with the technology will be essential in the market.
Inmarsat Maritime has the necessary equipment in its portfolio – key innovations will be presented by its President Ronald Spithout.
Propulsion solutions will be presented by Oskar Levander, Vice-President of engine manufacturer Rolls Royce Marine.
Alternative propulsion systems – is LNG the answer?
China recently announced its intention to create emission control areas around its coasts. Limits for sulphur emissions are to be applied from 2018 onwards, on the same basis as the existing SECAs (Sulphur Emission Control Areas) in the North Sea and the Baltic and off the North American coasts. Background: seven of the world’s top ten container terminals are located in China. Dual-fuel engines will be essential, but the industry has long been working on alternatives to conventional fuel. The clear favourite is liquefied natural gas (LNG). Classification company DNV GL is one of the front runners in development of this technology. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime of DNV GL, knows the technical challenges and describes how to accelerate build-up of the necessary infrastructure.