Comments on Amit's paper presented at SNAME Houston

COMMENTS

By

Capt. Sanjiv Wagh, CEO

Zetnor Arlo Maritime

The search for alternate fuels to derive energy is now a pressing requirement, due to the immediate compulsions of greenhouse gas emissions, depletion of existing fuels and pricing. This paper makes an incisive study of the elements of innovation which bring about change to an entrenched system of fuel consumption and make way to adopt alternate fuels. The sample study has been restricted to vessels plying the Great Lakes. However, it makes for an interesting pilot study because these vessels operate in an ecologically sensitive area while existing in a demanding environment in terms of maritime legislation and enforcement. The maritime industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, but having reached a saturation point in terms of advancements in emission control using conventional fuels, the industry is now poised on the cusp of the proverbial wave and would have to take a leap of faith into utilization of alternate fuels. Interestingly, the paper sharply brings into focus that competitive pricing eventually plays a decisive role in the choice of alternate fuels (in this case, gaseous fuels) and other influencing factors pale into insignificance. This paper is a must read for students studying alternate fuels for transportation as well as decision makers in the industry who would order the next generation of vessels compatible with alternate fuels. These vessels have to survive in a world where “clean and green” are buzzwords of the day, and the ships have to go about their business in an ever tightening legislative regime.