Uni-Tankers Leads Black Carbon Emissions Fight With Real-Time Flue Gas Sensor Installation

By
Mfame Editor
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In a pioneering move for maritime decarbonisation, Danish tanker operator Uni-Tankers has equipped its 6,882 dwt chemical and oil tanker M/T Falstria Swan with a real-time flue gas sensor to monitor black carbon (soot) emissions. This first-of-its-kind sensor is part of Project Cleanship, a collaborative effort supported by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency with a DKK 18 million grant.

Why Black Carbon Matters

  • Black carbon is produced through incomplete combustion in ship engines.

  • It absorbs sunlight, accelerates global warming, and contributes to serious health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

  • It’s the second largest climate pollutant from shipping after CO₂.

  • The IMO and EU are expected to introduce black carbon reduction regulations soon, as it accounts for up to 20% of CO₂-equivalent emissions from international shipping.

The Technology Behind the Initiative

Developed by Green Instruments, the flue gas sensor is the first to accurately measure black carbon emissions in real time under real-world marine conditions. This allows:

  • Live tracking of soot particle emissions.

  • Precise data to guide reduction strategies.

  • Shipping companies to document compliance with upcoming emissions regulations.

The system includes:

  • CEMS (Continuous Emissions Monitoring System): Tracks GHG concentrations like CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O.

  • GreenView Emissions Insight: Converts data into actionable KPIs like CO₂/kWh or CO₂/fuel – key metrics for EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime compliance.

Project Cleanship Partners

The initiative is part of Project Cleanship, a cross-industry collaboration involving:

  • Danish Technological Institute

  • Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping

  • Danish Maritime

  • Danish Shipping

  • Green Instruments

  • Uni-Tankers

Together, they aim to:

  • Advance emission measurement and reduction.

  • Assess the impact of energy-saving technologies and alternative fuels.

  • Support the shipping industry’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

The deployment of Green Instruments’ flue gas sensor on M/T Falstria Swan marks a milestone in maritime climate action, equipping shipping operators with accurate, real-time data to make informed, sustainable decisions. As black carbon regulations loom, this innovation may soon become standard across the global fleet.

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Source: MARINE LOG