Classification society DNV and UAE-based owner and operator of jack-up barges and offshore support vessels (OSVs), Zakher Marine International (ZMI), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reduce offshore greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reports Seatrade Maritime.
About the deal
The agreement was signed between DNV and ZMI at Nor-Shipping last week.
DNV said the focus of the MoU would be a joint feasibility study to assess the safety, compliance and sustainability aspects of current and future fuels and technologies, from both a technical and operational standpoint. “In the first phase of the MoU the partners will examine reduction technologies and energy efficiency methods that could be deployed to reduce the emissions of conventional engines and innovative solutions based around low- or zero-carbon marine fuels,” it said.
“As a leading offshore player in the Middle East, Zakher Marine is taking significant steps towards emission control, recognising the critical need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We want to introduce sustainable practices into our daily operations. Through this strategic partnership with DNV, we will be able to introduce best practices and innovative methods that can help realize our commitment of reducing our carbon footprint,” said Mohamed Habashneh, Chief Operating Officer of Zakher Marine International.
“When it comes to decarbonization, we can’t only focus on the next generation but what we can do to improve sustainability today, because taking action now is vital if we are to reach our climate goals,” said Torgeir Sterri, Senior Vice President, Director Offshore Classification at DNV.
Reduce current emission
“This is why we are so pleased to be working with ZMI to reduce current emissions on offshore and examine the potential of carbon-neutral fuel solutions. We look forward to using our technical expertise and experience to support them in finding pragmatic ways to fulfill their goals while maintaining the extremely high safety standards demanded of the industry.”
“For DNV it is very important to work with industry and regional leaders like Zakher Marine, because their demonstrated commitment to controlling and reducing emissions can be an inspiration to others. Not only are they driving a positive change in their own operations, but through their example can show that economic growth and a net-zero emission policy can go hand in hand,” said Bijali Nair, DNV Vice President & Regional Offshore Manager.
ZMI provides services to offshore oil and gas industries and offshore marine construction companies. Established in 1984 and headquartered in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, the company currently operates over 50 OSVs and 17 jack-up barges in the Gulf Cooperation Council, according to its website.
In November, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) unit ADNOC Logistics & Services acquired ZMI. In March, Fazel Fazelbhoy, CEO of Dubai-based Synergy Offshore, told Seatrade Maritime News the company, as of earlier this year, had a fleet of 24 jack-up rigs and 38 OSVs.
The UAE is hosting UN Climate Change Conference COP 28 in Dubai later this year, and this is creating pressure on entities in the Middle East region to improve the effort to tackle decarbonisation.
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Source: Seatrade Maritime
