We know the impact of the technical solutions and how to translate these into design and construction. For every ship, it is therefore important to look at which mix of emission-reducing solutions is the best. Together with you, we determine how we can combine the hull shape, propulsion, resources and (optional) fuels and energy supply into an economically and ecologically sound mix.
The transition to zero-emission starts with better utilization of the natural “fuel” wind.
Wind is the ideal resource. It is freely available and can contribute effectively to propulsion. With the eConowind-unit, we developed an easy-to-mount unit to enable wind assisted propulsion for existing and new cargo ships. This system has won the Maritime Innovation Award 2019 and several ships are now sailing with it, achieving fuel savings of 20 to even 50%.
Reduce emissions to less than 30% with LNG and Ship Based Carbon Capture (SBCC)
LNG is currently the best fuel alternative to diesel. Its use reduces harmful emissions due to lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) and the absence of sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM).
By adding a Ship Based Carbon Capture System to capture the CO2 in the exhaust gasses, the shipboard CO2-emissions can be reduced to almost zero. The captured CO2 can be cooled and stored on board. Onshore, it can be reused to produce synthetic methane. A promising step towards a closed carbon loop.
Having a dual fuel engine gives flexibility in fuel use during the vessel’s lifetime.
Technically, it is possible to make the step from LNG-powered ships to hydrogen (H2). Making a duel fuel engine an excellent replacement engine for the coming decades. It gives flexibility in fuel use depending on availability and can, in favorable conditions, result in a CO2 emission reduction of 75%. Green produced H2 would be emission-free and would result in a closed carbon loop.
A closed carbon loop can be realized with “green” non-fossil fuels.
Methanol is an easy to use fuel and, even when injected in small percentages in combustion engines, gives a considerable reduction in emissions. Storage does not require pressure vessels or cooling, since it’s just a liquid.
The ample availability of grey methanol assures the possibility to operate around the world, while the share of bio- or blue methanol can be gradually increased as production is rapidly increasing. This makes methanol an equally good transition fuel as LNG.
The full transition to zero-emission at sea requires electric storage on board.
To enable electricity on board, we use a battery where energy is stored in liquid form: the Redox flow battery. It’s a safe and 100% emission-free technique which does not depreciate during its lifetime. All energy in the battery can be used for propulsion of the ship.
The effectiveness and environmental benefits of this solution are enhanced because the battery contributes to the ship’s ballast, rather than the current water ballast systems.
Design with easy conversion in mind and become future fuel ready today.
Fuel innovations will continue to follow one another in the coming years, even during the economic lifetime of a ship. Modular thinking, adaptive engine design and construction makes it possible for the vessel to remain viable during its life cycle. Emission reductions during the lifetime can be accelerated if combinations of successive possibilities are taken into account in each new design.
