- Capital & Lloyd’s Register Pioneer Tanker Shore Power Compatibility.
- First-Ever Tanker OPS Compatibility Assessment Successfully Completed.
- Capital Prepares Fleet for Shore Power with Landmark OPS Assessment.
Capital Ship Management Corp. has completed the world’s first tanker On-Shore Power Supply (OPS) Compatibility Assessment in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register (LR). This historic project is the first to complete a tanker compatibility assessment since the formal publication of the IEC 80005-1 standard in 2012, reports LR.
Compliance for Future Fleet
The assessment will ensure that Capital’s six new 155k Suezmax oil tankers are compatible with the onshore power infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) in California, USA. The vessels, which are under construction and set to be delivered between 2025 and 2027, will be equipped for seamless shore power connection. It improves operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
LR’s Role in Overcoming Technical Challenges
LR has played a fundamental role in overcoming uncertainties regarding OPS compatibility. These challenges had previously hindered shipowners and shipyards from specifying and installing the correct equipment. By clarifying these requirements, LR has addressed a key industry concern. This ensures that vessels visiting POLB’s oil terminals comply with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission control regulations.
Theo Kourmpelis, Global Tanker, Emerging Oil Markets, and Future Fuels Segment Director at LR, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This was a very challenging yet rewarding project to be a part of. There was critical information missing in the standard, which made it difficult for shipowners and yards to order the equipment with correct technical specifications and to make the installations on board. The wrong configuration could lead to non-compliance with port requirements and penalties from CARB, which came into effect this year.”
Impact of CARB’s 2020 Emission Regulations
With CARB’s 2020 Regulation for tanker emission control compliance coming into effect on January 1, 2025, ports and shipowners worldwide are under increasing pressure to adopt shore power solutions. LR’s successful completion of this assessment sets a precedent and provides a clear framework for other shipowners seeking compliance while reducing emissions in line with CARB requirements. “By proactively addressing compatibility challenges, we have not only supported Capital in meeting regulatory requirements but also paved the way for the wider industry to transition towards greener port operations. We remain committed to working with our clients to navigate the evolving energy landscape and ensure safe, sustainable, and compliant shipping practices.” – Theo Kourmpelis
Capital’s Commitment to Future-Proofing its Fleet
Nikolas Vaporis, Chief Technical Officer at Capital, expressed enthusiasm about this groundbreaking achievement: “We are thrilled to have completed this ground-breaking project. Capital is always at the forefront of technological developments, but it is really important for us to future-proof our fleet towards all current and coming regulatory requirements. Working with LR, we managed to become pioneers in the compatibility aspects of tankers cold ironing as far as POLB on-shore power supply requirements are concerned.”
Through this milestone project, Capital and LR have taken a significant step in advancing greener shipping practices and setting new standards for regulatory compliance and sustainable port operations.
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Source: LR
