The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published two of an eventual total of up six reports studying alternative fuels and decarbonisation technologies, based on research by a consortium led by ABS, and including CE Delft and Arcsilea.
In an industry first, ABS offered a 360-degree view of biofuels and ammonia, the first two fuels to be studied by the consortium. Each fuel was analysed using various criteria such as greenhouse gas (GHG) impact, sustainability, fuel availability, fuel scalability and human needs.
Georgios Plevrakis, ABS VP Global Sustainability said: “I am very excited about this project and the work that ABS is delivering for EMSA and the shipping industry. These two reports are the result of one year of intense activity with our collaborators, EMSA and industry leaders to gather data and conduct three hazard identifications (Hazids) for each study. Our analysis is very unique and, in my opinion, what is needed to empower and inform future studies, conversations and decisions.”
Jasper Faber, Director Shipping, CE Delft said: “Biofuels are one of the main available renewable fuels at the moment and the shipping sector needs to move to e-fuels to decarbonize. These two reports provide the most recent information on the availability, sustainability and cost implications of using these fuels,”
Edwin Pang, Founder and Principal Consultant, Arcsilea said: “The ro-ro passenger ship Hazid was a particularly notable example of industry collaboration, where a variety of ro-pax and cruise operators volunteered valuable time to contribute to the Hazid together, and this will help build much needed technical competence and confidence in alternative fuels.”
The four-year project began in 2021 with the objective of studying key aspects of the decarbonisation of shipping, including alternatives such as biofuels, ammonia, hydrogen, wind-assisted propulsion, and complementary measures such as air lubrication and other promising technologies. The initiative is part of EMSA’s mission to provide technical assistance to the European Commission and Member States in the promotion of sustainable shipping and support the shift to low- and zero-carbon operations.
Follow the links to read Update on the Potential of Biofuels in Shipping and Potential of Ammonia as a Fuel in Shipping.
