Despite a record take-up of green technologies in ships ordered in 2023, thousands of existing vessels will fall into carbon intensity indicator (CII) categories D or E, requiring owners to take action immediately or within the next three years, says an article published on seatrade maritime website.
Summary
- The year 2023 marked a significant turning point in the industry’s efforts towards decarbonisation with nearly half of the current orderbook tonnage now for vessels capable of using alternative fuels.
- Around 539 newbuild orders in 2023 involved alternative fuel-capable vessels, indicating a strong industry shift. The majority of these orders were for LNG dual-fuel ships.
- The adoption of alternative fuel technology varies across different shipping sectors. Container ships and car carriers show high levels of uptake, with 83% and 79% respectively ordered with alternative fuel capability in 2023.
- The overall capacity of the global fleet with alternative fuel capability has risen from 2.3% in 2017 to 6% and is projected to reach around 23% by 2030.
- There has been a significant increase in energy-saving technologies among ships. So-called ‘eco’ vessels now comprise 32% of the tonnage in service. A total of 7,295 ships have been equipped with significant energy-saving technologies.
High Percentage Of Ships In Lower CII Categories
Clarksons Research has highlighted a significant challenge in the shipping industry’s move towards decarbonization. Despite a surge in green technology adoption in 2023, about 30% of ships are expected to be rated D or E in the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) assessments.
This indicates that a substantial number of existing vessels, particularly older ones, are lagging in terms of carbon efficiency. With the average age of the world fleet increasing to 12.6 years, the urgency for owners to improve or upgrade their ships is clear, especially for those over 15 years old.
A Landmark Year In Green Technology Adoption
The year 2023 marked a significant turning point in the industry’s efforts towards decarbonisation. Clarksons’ Global Head of Research, Steve Gordon, highlighted that nearly half of the current orderbook tonnage is now for vessels capable of using alternative fuels.
Around 539 newbuild orders in 2023 involved alternative fuel-capable vessels, indicating a strong industry shift. The majority of these orders were for LNG dual-fuel ships, followed by a rising number of methanol dual-fuel and LPG-fueled orders, along with a few ammonia-fueled vessels.
Varying Levels Of Green Technology Uptake Among Sectors
The adoption of alternative fuel technology varies across different shipping sectors. Container ships and car carriers show high levels of uptake, with 83% and 79% respectively ordered with alternative fuel capability in 2023.
In contrast, dry bulk and tanker sectors exhibited much lower adoption rates. The overall capacity of the global fleet with alternative fuel capability has risen from 2.3% in 2017 to 6% and is projected to reach around 23% by 2030.
Energy Saving Technologies On The Rise
The report also notes a significant increase in energy-saving technologies among ships. So-called ‘eco’ vessels now comprise 32% of the tonnage in service, with significant adoption in the VLCC and Capesize sectors. A total of 7,295 ships have been equipped with significant energy-saving technologies, including wind propulsion systems and carbon capture installations.
SOx Scrubber And Ballast Water Management Systems
The uptake of SOx scrubbers continues to grow, with over 5,590 ships, including planned retrofits, now equipped with this technology. This represents about 27% of fleet capacity. Additionally, more than 80% of the world fleet has been fitted with ballast water management systems, underlining the industry’s efforts to comply with environmental regulations and standards.
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Source: sea trade maritime
