Shipping and COP22 (English Version)
As part of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (COP22), the maritime industry has been engaged in the fight against climate change.
As the International Maritime Organization’s “Third IMO Ghg Study” report (1) states, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sea transport have gone from 2.6 % to 2.1 % between 2007 and 2012.
During the same period, global merchant shipping increased by 14.5%, according to data from UNESCO (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development). This clearly demonstrates that economic development and environmental considerations are wholly compatible.
With regard to this logic, ship-owners have understood the profit of running an environmentally friendly fleet – they make gains in their bunkering budgets, like Maersk, Cosco, Cma Cgm and many others.
In other words, shipping today firmly works towards fuel efficiency, namely in the fight to lower greenhouse gas levels.
But this objective can only be reached by innovation.
Consequently, actions are being carried out, with the support of shipyards and engineering companies, to design and build safe, clean and energy efficient ships.
As a result new container ships benefit from a whole series of technological advancements, firstly in engine power and secondly in hydrodynamic optimization. By improving the shape of the hull, forward movement resistance is reduced. Those have led to a 30% reduction on average in fuel consumption; thus, a reduction of approximately the same percentage for the release of CO2 in the atmosphere.
The latest generation of slow engines are equipped with an automated control device, integrated with new fuel injection technology known as “common rail direct fuel injection”. This system is used to replace camshafts from classic models. This innovative machine enables better combustion control, which has led to a specific saving of about 5 % in consumption.
Furthermore, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ship-owners are working in collaboration with engineering companies, classification societies and shipyards. The tendency consists in propelling ships with the help of new sources, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or wind power. These solutions have enabled an additional 20% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides and CO2.
Moreover, other technologies for protecting oceans have emerged. For example, ships are equipped with ballast sewage treatment fittings to prevent the transfer of invasive species from one port to another. This is also the case for the oil recovery method in case of shipwreck, well known as FORS (Fast Oil Recovery System).
As of now it is clear that energy transition in the maritime industry represents a major turning point, just as important as steam power during the Industrial Revolution at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Ismail BRAHI (Naval Architect)
Paris, 24th February 2017