Conventional bunkering operations (file image)
Published Jul 27, 2021 11:52 PM by The Maritime Executive

A consortium led by ABS, CE Delft and Arcsilea will be completing a series ofd six studies on alternative fuels and decarbonization technology for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

The four-year project will study multiple aspects of the decarbonization of shipping, including biofuels, ammonia, hydrogen, wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication and other promising technologies. The initiative is part of EMSA’s mission to provide technical guidance to the EU on sustainable shipping and support the shift to low- and zero-carbon operations.

“This will be a monumental study that will provide an unprecedented degree of guidance and clarity with regards to the maritime application of alternative fuels and energy-saving devices,” said Georgios Plevrakis, ABS Director, Global Sustainability. “ABS understands that no one company has the solution to shipping’s decarbonization challenge and only by working together will the industry meet our sustainability ambitions. That is why we are engaged in projects all over the world with leading industry players to develop practical solutions and support their safe adoption by the industry."

The studies will analyze the industry’s use of each fuel or power technology, including availability, life-cycle emission characteristics and economic aspects. Project partners will also review the current regulatory framework, identify any gaps and include safety assessments for the application of each fuel and power source to cargo as well as passenger vessels.

"It is important for regulators and shipping companies alike to understand the sustainability, availability and economics of the emerging fuel options. CE Delft is proud to contribute to these comprehensive studies," said Anouk van Grinsven, CE Delft Director, Sustainable Transport Fuels.

The project will build on ABS' extensive experience in analyzing decarbonization alternatives, as seen in its landmark fuel pathways analysis and its study on future changes to the EEDI (completed for the European Commission).

Source www.maritime-executive.com