Two of Germany’s leading steel manufacturers are joining with the Port of Rotterdam to jointly investigate developing an international supply chain for hydrogen passing through the port as a replacement for the coal currently used in their manufacturing operations. The companies recognize that vast imports of hydrogen would be required if Europe and Germany want to reduce CO2 emissions by replacing current fuel sources and become climate-neutral by 2050 while maintaining its strong industrial backbone. 

By Charles Haskell, Decarbonisation Programme Manager, Lloyd’s Register (LR)

Today 80 per cent of ammonia produced is used exclusively for the fertiliser industry. However, as pressure is placed on the shipping sector to decarbonise and shift away from reliance on fossil fuels, ammonia is looking like an attractive alternative. If 30 per cent of shipping switched to ammonia as a fuel, then the current production would have to nearly double. 

The technology group Wärtsilä will introduce a combined engine plus selective catalytic reduction (SCR) packaged product aimed at complying with China’s Stage II marine engine emission standard that enters into force in July 2021. The standard will apply to inland waterway, coastal, river-sea, channel and fishing vessels operating in most rivers and around the country’s major harbour areas.

One of only a few large, fast passenger ferries fueled by natural gas is due to enter service tomorrow sailing between Spain and the Balearic Islands. In addition to being an LNG-fueled vessel, Balearia’s new vessel, the Eleanor Roosevelt, expands the company’s capacity and becomes the longest fast ferry. It is also the first LNG-fueled fast ferry with reciprocating engines.

A key International Maritime Organization project — the Global MTCC Network, or GMN, which aims to improve energy efficiency in the maritime sector and support the reduction of GHG emissions from shipping in developing countries through regional maritime technology cooperation centers, has been extended by an additional nine-months to March 31, 2022.

The world’s largest biogas production plant is beginning the first of two expansions which when completed with nearly double its production capabilities. The plant is expanding to meet the needs of both the shipping and over road transportation industries and reflecting the growing demand for green fuel sources.

The first long-term test of a rotor sail fitted on a passenger ferry is coming to an end after three years aboard Viking Line’s Viking Grace. According to both the line and the technology company, the tests provided important data demonstrating the benefits of the rotor sail concept and helping to advance the technology. The test was also the first aboard an LNG-fueled ship creating the first LNG-wind electric propulsion hybrid ship.

The first of a new series of eco-sustainable hybrid ro-ro ferries was launched today in China. The Finneco I is part of Finnlines’ ongoing EUR 500-million newbuilding program, which includes two eco-efficient ro-pax vessels in addition to the three hybrid ro-ro vessels. 

The plan, which will be detailed this year, foresee the decarbonisation and energy self-sufficiency, 15 years before the deadline set by the EU.

UAE oil storage company BPGIC is in advanced talks to buy a green energy firm as it aims to diversify its business and contribute to the global push to fight climate change, an industry source close to the discussions told Reuters.