Nippon Paint Marine’s AQUATERRAS technology has revolutionized hull maintenance on the AIDAdiva cruise ship, eliminating in-water cleaning for over three years. This innovation reduces costs and downtime, enhances hull smoothness, and lowers fuel consumption. With a focus on sustainability, future developments will prioritize efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations.
Testing is underway for a new system designed to reduce methane slip on an LNG bunker vessel. Methane emissions are potent greenhouse gases, prompting the LNG industry to innovate. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Daihatsu Infinearth have developed a catalyst system, achieving over 70% methane oxidation in initial tests.
The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) in Singapore has launched a groundbreaking study, COLOSSUS, analyzing emissions savings and costs related to onboard carbon capture and storage systems (OCCS). It evaluates five OCCS technologies and highlights significant GHG reductions, particularly with advanced systems and biofuels, offering vital insights for shipowners.
A recent I-Tech study reveals that over one-third of 685 surveyed vessels had barnacle biofouling covering more than 10% of their hulls. This fouling significantly increases fuel consumption and emissions, costing the global fleet an estimated $15 billion annually. Effective antifouling coatings, like Selektope, are crucial for mitigating these issues.
India, along with 62 other nations, voted in favor of a global carbon tax for the shipping industry by the International Maritime Organization. This decision, made in London, aims to reduce emissions and promote cleaner technologies. However, criticism has arisen for not addressing climate finance needs of developing countries.
DNV Maritime Advisory has confirmed that Jotun coated vessels helped avoid 11.1 million tons of CO2 emissions in 2024. This achievement was verified through a technical evaluation using the DNV MASTERv2 emission prediction model combined with AIS data. Jotun also provided data on average speed loss over a five-year drydocking cycle to support the findings.
PPG’s SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 fouling release hull coating offers a solution to reduce fuel consumption and emissions intensity for ship owners. With a 100% pure silicone binder system, it can decrease emissions by up to 35% compared to traditional antifoulings. The electrostatic application technique further enhances sustainability benefits by reducing overspray and waste.
The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, completed a successful three-month demonstration voyage in Tokyo Bay. Owned by NYK, it achieved a 95% greenhouse gas emission reduction, showcasing ammonia’s potential as maritime fuel. The 272-ton tug, originally LNG-fueled, marked a milestone in alternative fuel operations in the maritime industry.
The adoption of methanol-fueled vessels in the container shipping industry is on the rise, with HMM investing in environmentally friendly fuel options. With 26 methanol-fueled containerships in service and orders for 200 more, HMM’s decision aligns with their expansion and environmental goals. The new vessels will operate on eco-friendly bio-methanol, reducing emissions significantly.
Hoyer has launched the Hoyer ESS, a system for retrofitting active vessels to reduce energy consumption by 40-65% and emissions. It utilizes VSDs, sensors, and automation to control marine applications, saving fuel and extending equipment lifespan. With quick returns on investment and environmental benefits, it meets the demand for efficient vessel operations.
AET partners with Fleetzero to develop the world’s longest-range plug-in hybrid-electric vessel. By retrofitting one of AET’s Lightering Support Vessels with a plug-in hybrid-electric system, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease by 82%. This initiative aims to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and uphold high safety standards in the maritime industry.
The debate over biofuels in the shipping industry is intensifying, with concerns raised by major shipping lines and NGOs like T & E. They argue that biofuels could be unsustainable and harmful. A study suggests a potential increase in biofuel use by 2030, but limited availability of waste biofuels poses a challenge.
The South Korean government is investing 222.3 billion KrW ($150 million) to support the construction of 81 environmentally friendly ships. Companies can receive subsidies of up to 30 percent for building eco-friendly vessels, promoting sustainability in the maritime industry. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change on a global scale.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and 47 governments are pushing for net zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050. They have proposed a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism to the UN IMO. Major shipping nations and the EU support this initiative to drive a rapid energy transition in shipping.
The new EU marine fuel rules, effective January 1, aim to reduce emissions in the shipping industry. While increasing costs for companies, vessels running on alternative fuels like biodiesel and LNG will benefit. This aligns with the EU’s efforts to address shipping’s carbon emissions, which account for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
