Opinion by Eric Van Genuchten, Sensing360, and Jaap Bastiaansen, Nexus Climate
The shipping industry plays a pivotal role in global trade, responsible for transporting approximately 80% of all merchandise traded internationally. However, it is also a considerable contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As the sector faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, it must navigate numerous challenges associated with decarbonisation and the transition to sustainable practices.
The Decarbonisation Challenge
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets for the shipping industry, aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, with a long-term vision of complete decarbonisation. Despite these objectives, the path forward remains complex due to several factors:
- Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Currently, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the most commercially viable alternative fuel, offering a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. However, LNG is still a fossil fuel and poses risks associated with methane leaks, which have a significantly higher global warming potential than CO2.
- Emerging Alternatives: The industry is exploring various alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. While these options show promise, they are not yet commercially viable at scale and require substantial investment in infrastructure and technology development.
- Investment Requirements: Achieving full decarbonisation could necessitate investments ranging from $1 trillion to $1.9 trillion, requiring collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and international organisations to mobilise funding and resources.
Operational Adjustments
To bridge the gap until new fuels become widely available, many shipping companies are adopting short-term operational strategies driven by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.
Slow Steaming: Reducing ship speeds can significantly lower emissions. For instance, a 10% reduction in speed can result in a 27% decrease in emissions. This strategy can also be economically beneficial, as it reduces fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Design for Future Fuels: New vessels are being designed with the capability to switch to alternative fuels once they become available. This foresight is essential, given that ships typically have a lifespan of up to 30 years, leading to services to retrofit and greenify current vessels.
Operator Efficiency and Retrofitting: Ship operators play a crucial role in the successful implementation of decarbonisation measures. Retrofitting existing vessels with advanced monitoring systems, such as torque and load measurement sensors, can optimise engine performance and fuel efficiency. By obtaining real-time data on operational parameters, shipping companies can make more informed decisions, adjust ship performance dynamically, and achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions and quantify slow steaming. Retrofitting solutions not only provide immediate environmental benefits but also extend the operational lifespan of vessels, making them more adaptable to future fuel options.
Regulatory Frameworks
The regulatory landscape is evolving to support decarbonisation efforts. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set out its revised greenhouse gas strategy, which aims to reduce total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 40% by 2030, and by 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. These regulations include the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which mandate ships to improve their energy efficiency and reduce emissions and report about them.
The European Union has also introduced regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas intensity in maritime transport, with ships required to comply with stricter emission standards starting in 2025. Global cooperation is essential, as establishing a universal regulatory framework can help avoid fragmented solutions that hinder progress across different regions.
“Ruler-based fuel measurements are outdated and not sufficient anymore. Proven tech offers carbon-cutting insights without redesigning ships. It’s time to act”, says Eric Van Genuchten, Cofounder of Sensing350 and Founder of Lumina Marine.
Technological Innovations Supporting the Route to Decarbonisation
Innovative companies like Sensing360 and Lumina Marine are playing a critical role in accelerating the shipping industry’s decarbonisation efforts through advanced sensor technologies and maritime optimisation solutions.
Sensing360 is at the forefront of developing optical sensor systems designed to enhance the reliability, availability, and efficiency of maritime rotating equipment.
By providing real-time data on critical parameters such as load, torque, speed, and temperature in equipment like gearboxes, winches, and propulsion systems, their technology supports sustainable shipping practices by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Their proprietary Smart Photonic Sleeve, for instance, integrates optical sensors into a steel sleeve to deliver real-time load data.
This enables better operational decisions and minimising environmental impact.
In collaboration with Damen, Lumina Marine has been established to advance these technological capabilities even further.
This venture focuses on leveraging condition monitoring and performance optimisation to reduce carbon emissions across various ship sizes.
By enhancing the accuracy of torque and thrust measurements for ships propulsion, Lumina Marine enables more precise calculation of carbon output, supporting the shipping industry’s broader decarbonisation objectives.
These initiatives align with the shipping industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by offering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
By adopting technologies from Sensing360 and Lumina Marine, shipping companies can gain better insights into their operational parameters, leading to more informed decisions and a smoother transition towards sustainable maritime practices.
Navigating Forward
The shipping industry stands at a critical juncture as it seeks to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
The transition to a low-carbon future involves overcoming significant challenges related to technology development, investment needs, and regulatory compliance.
However, with concerted efforts from all stakeholders—governments, shipping companies, and energy producers—the sector can make substantial strides towards achieving its decarbonisation goals while continuing to support global trade.
