The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) has issued a report emphasizing the urgent need for standardized methane measurement and regulatory frameworks to accelerate the adoption of methane reduction technologies in the maritime sector. MAMII, led by SafetyTech Accelerator since 2022, aims to mitigate methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships by reducing methane slip to near zero, reports Safety4sea.
Key Points from MAMII’s Report
- Unified Measurement Systems: Without a global system for measuring methane emissions from vessels, progress in reducing emissions will be hindered.
- Regulatory Frameworks: There is a need for globally standardized measurement and monitoring frameworks, along with technology-centric regulatory frameworks that incentivize the development and adoption of methane abatement technologies.
- Successful Trials: The report details successful trials of various technologies to reduce methane slip and highlights the importance of measurement guidance and adapting promising solutions.
- Environmental Impact: Shipping contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with methane being the second-largest contributor to climate warming after CO2.
- IMO Pledges: Following The Paris Agreement, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) pledged to halve carbon emissions from shipping by 2030 and achieve carbon-neutral shipping by 2050. Updated targets include a 20% reduction by 2030 and a 70% reduction by 2040 compared to 2008 levels, with net-zero emissions by 2050.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- Regulation: A robust regulatory framework is necessary to address methane emissions, centered around technology to facilitate faster adoption of solutions.
- Well-to-Tank Emissions: There should be a focus on demystifying upstream emissions and validating LNG producers and bunkering suppliers.
- Methane Slip Abatement: Methane-proof engine technology is available, but further innovation is needed. Solutions beyond combustion slip abatement, like shaft generators, should be considered.
- Detection and Quantification: The credibility and accuracy of methane detection technologies should be validated in real conditions.
- Adoption Incentives: As solutions progress, prioritizing adoption incentives and regulations is crucial.
Recommended Actions
- Methane Regulation:
- Implement a clear and flexible regulatory framework to incentivize technology development and uptake.
- Ensure the framework is well-defined with mitigated uncertainties.
- Well-to-Tank:
- Assess and mitigate the total methane footprint across the value chain.
- Implement methane performance certification schemes.
- Tank-to-Wake:
- Ship operators should optimize engine loads and stay informed on engine technology.
- Invest in improving methane performance and developing abatement solutions.
- Focus on non-engine solutions, like shaft generators and batteries.
- Methane Abatement:
- Incentivize the installation and use of methane abatement solutions on ships.
- Prioritize piloting and trialing onboard technologies.
- Measurement Reporting & Verification:
- Trial and apply a consistent universal measurement guideline.
- Ensure credible detection and quantification of methane emissions.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- Highlight the exceptional climate case for methane abatement.
- Integrate methane into the CO2e regulatory framework to boost uptake.
- Tailor solutions to maritime environments to optimize cost parameters and feasibility.
By addressing these critical areas, MAMII aims to significantly reduce methane emissions in the maritime sector, contributing to global climate goals and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Download the first public report from MAMII here
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: MAMI & Safety4Sea
