Seaweed and rum: the two unlikely ingredients set to fuel Barbados’ future
Picture sipping an ice-cold mojito on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean. It sounds idyllic and probably doesn’t spark thoughts about how the wastewater from the rum-based cocktail could be used?to drive a more sustainable transport sector.?
But one woman has turned this concept into a reality. Mechanical engineer Legena Henry, her data scientist husband, and student Brittney McKenzie have found a way to turn rum distillery wastewater and seaweed into fuel using small reactors.
Seaweed has been plaguing Caribbean beaches for over a decade. Not only does it present a danger to marine and human life through the release of hydrogen sulphide, but it also smells pretty bad and can deter tourists.?
Henry wanted to find a way to clear up this seaweed and turn it into something useful. She worked with her students to create a bio-compressed natural gas that is expected to help Barbados meet its emissions reduction targets.?
Any car can be converted to run on the gas using a simple kit that takes around four hours and costs $2,500.?
The fuel was tested in a Nissan Leaf and proved successful. Henry and her husband are now working to scale up production to meet its initial target of 2,000 customers.?
Eventually, they hope to power 100,000 cars, which is about 75 of all vehicles in Barbados. It could even be used to power vehicles operating in Barbados’ ports and terminals, helping to reduce emissions from maritime operations.?
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LATEST NEWS
In shipping and maritime news this week, the first international standard dedicated to methanol as a marine fuel has arrived, marking a milestone in the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
At Maersk, alternative fuels could account for up to a fifth of A.P. Moller-Maersk's marine fuel consumption in 2030 as part of its goal to reach net zero by 2040, a senior company executive said last week.
An EU-funded project examining the expansion of offshore use of terrestrial GSM networks has completed a successful demonstration test, improving the coverage and capacity of high-speed, low-latency 5G services beyond coastal areas.
MSC has transitioned from traditional analogue procurement methods to a digital platform by Source2Sea for managing the supply of provisions, stores, spare parts, chemicals, paints, and lubricants across its fleet.
Maritime technology company Spinergie has announced a strategic partnership with Veracity, the leading maritime emissions data cloud from DNV. Together, they offer clients a comprehensive, automated system for collecting, processing, and verifying emissions data.
ABS and the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI) have signed a new agreement to collaborate on tech R&D programmes. The deal establishes a framework for the organisations to work together in technology research and development for the shipbuilding and marine industries.
If you would like to stay on top of the latest maritime headlines, check out Thetius IQ. It’s a one-stop shop for all maritime news, research, and in-depth articles, and features a comprehensive organisation database.
The latest insight from the Thetius team
Free Report: New Waters: How the S-100 Data Framework Will Shape E-Navigation??
This report, created in partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office, explores the technological advancements since that pivotal moment, highlighting how the evolution of computing power and navigation standards has shaped today’s maritime industry. By examining the progression from early digital solutions to current innovations, we offer valuable insights into the ongoing transformation of maritime navigation and its future trajectory.?
?Things are changing in maritime navigation. Operations are digitalising and the rapid rise of e-navigation is evident. 32 years after introducing S-57, the IHO is preparing for a new data framework that meets the evolving needs of the mariner. This new data framework is known as S-100 and promises to lay the foundations to tackle the growing complexity of modern navigation.?
Cyber Security Survey
We’re looking into cyber risk management in the maritime industry and would love your help! The results of this research will be published in Q2 2025, and your insights could make a big difference in shaping how our industry tackles this critical challenge.
It’s a quick survey which will take just a few minutes of your time. All answers submitted will remain completely anonymous. By sharing your perspective, you’ll be helping to create a clearer picture of cyber risks and how they are being managed across the maritime sector.
Did you miss our latest webinar?
If you missed our recent one-hour webinar on the S-100 data framework, don’t worry, you can still catch up on what you missed!
This session delved into how S-100, the International Hydrographic Organization’s new standard, is set to drive the next wave of digital navigation. Designed to support a safer, more efficient, and environmentally compliant maritime sector, S-100 is laying the groundwork for a data-connected future in navigation. Our expert panel covered key topics, offering insight into S-100’s benefits and challenges, as well as insights and recommendations for the shift from S-57 to S-100.?
New articles released since last week's edition of The Brief
Process, a Key Pillar of Digital Transformation in Shipping.
All digital technology requires data. Therefore, the pathway to digital transformation has its origins in effective data management. Data management is defined as the approach to the collection, storage, analysis, utilisation, and exchange of data. Without effective data management in place, an organisation will never be able to move beyond the most foundational level of digital maturity.
For further insight into the pillars highlighted in this article, take a look at our thought leadership report, produced in collaboration with?Lloyd’s Register,?The Benchmark: Measuring the Progress of Digital Transformation in Ship Operations.
The Challenge of Gaining Trust, Transparency and User Acceptance Within AI?
AI has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the maritime industry, but several challenges must be overcome to fully unlock its capabilities. In the next few articles in this series of twelve, we explore some of these areas in greater detail.?
Some of these challenges include:?
To learn more about AI and its use in the maritime industry, read our thought leadership report, produced in collaboration with?Lloyd’s Register,?Beyond the Horizon, Opportunities and Obstacles in the Maritime AI Boom.?You can download a copy of the report here.
Optimising Cargo Handling Efficiency and Cybersecurity in Global Terminals
In the dynamic global trade landscape, efficient cargo handling at terminals is essential to avoid costly delays and maintain the flow of goods. Swift storage and easy access of cargo ensure timely loading onto vehicles, preventing disruptions like charter party claims, demurrage penalties, and terminal congestion. To optimise operations, terminals must address underutilised spaces, poor planning and adapt to changing trade patterns.
?For a more detailed understanding and exploration of the topics covered in this article, refer to our report, commissioned by?Kaleris, Gateways of Tomorrow: Exploring the business value of digital transformation for general cargo terminals.
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