The maritime industry is focused on decarbonization efforts, which involve various strategies and challenges. DNV and MAN Energy Solutions are collaborating to explore the retrofitting of existing ships with dual-fuel engines capable of running on sustainable fuels. This retrofitting approach aims to contribute to the industry’s decarbonization goals, as reported by Hellenic Shipping.
Comprehensive approach
To align with the Paris Agreement’s objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the shipping industry must adopt a comprehensive approach called ‘well-to-wake emissions.’ This approach assesses shipping emissions throughout the entire life cycle, moving away from the conventional ‘tank-to-wake’ approach, which only considers emissions during ship operation. The International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 80 meeting will further discuss this comprehensive approach to emissions reporting.
‘Well-to-wake emissions’ perspective raises standards for existing fleet
While new vessels are incorporating innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the main challenge lies in retrofitting the existing merchant fleet. This fleet consists of around 55,000 ships with two-stroke engines and 30,000 ships with four-stroke engines. Retrofitting these ships to operate on alternative fuels like ammonia and methanol is seen as a potential solution for emissions reduction in the maritime industry.
However, the path forward for retrofitting is uncertain. Efficiency improvements and the use of biofuels are already being considered, and retrofitting is seen as another option to achieve decarbonization targets. Currently, there is no regulatory requirement for retrofitting, and the timeline for its widespread implementation remains unclear. According to Christos Chryssakis, DNV’s Business Development Manager, while retrofitting holds promise, its realization depends on future developments and industry adoption.
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Source: Hellenic Shipping
