- The summit was marked by discussions revolving around the uncertainty of alternative fuels and the diverse solutions available to shipowners for reducing vessel emissions.
- With 120 Greek shipowners, managers, manufacturers, and classification societies in attendance, the three-hour conference outlined current policies, regulations, and emerging technologies in decarbonization.
- Moderated by Professor Dimitris Lyridis, panels addressed funding mechanisms, financial incentives, and regulatory challenges. Stamatis Fradelos highlighted the increasing emissions despite slow steaming and the daunting task of achieving a 70% reduction by 2040.
- Lefteris Koukoulopoulos emphasized conventional methods like speed reduction and hull coatings while promoting onboard carbon capture and storage. Peter Borgnaes showcased Alfa Laval’s OceanGlide technology for efficient air layer creation around the hull.
- Hydrus presented its Decarbonisation Strategy Roadmap, while Wärtsilä discussed carbon capture and introduced its EnergoFlow system for enhanced fuel efficiency. Captain Pankaj Sharma highlighted The Columbia Group’s EngineLink engine digitization tool as a game-changer for ship owners and managers.
Decarbonisation Summit In Athens
At the inaugural Elaborate Communications Decarbonisation Summit in Athens, discussions were dominated by the uncertainty surrounding alternative fuels and the array of emission-cutting solutions available to shipowners.
The three-hour conference, held in front of 120 Greek shipowners, managers, manufacturers, and classification societies, outlined the current policy landscape and regulation before discussing the emerging technologies and alternative fuels currently available.
A hard-hitting panel, moderated by Professor Dimitris Lyridis, an Associate Professor in the area of Maritime Transport in the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA&ME) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), also discussed the funding mechanisms and financial incentives for the various decarbonization projects.
Leaders Address Emissions And Innovations
Delegates heard Stamatis Fradelos, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at ABS, talk about the regulations moving forward for environmental protection and maritime safety and he suggested that emissions were still increasing despite slow steaming. The target of a 70% reduction in emissions by 2040 would be a tough ask, he hinted.
Lefteris Koukoulopoulos, Regional Decarbonisation Specialist at DNV, said that while conventional ships would continue to be built relying on speed reduction, vessel routing, and hull coatings as well as machinery improvements to reduce energy consumption, onboard carbon capture and storage can reduce the demand for carbon-neutral fuels.
Peter Borgnaes from Alfa Laval’s Environmental Solutions Marine Division, outlined his company’s OceanGlide technology – which pumps air bubbles around the hull. “OceanGlide doesn’t just pump air under the vessel. Using fluidics, it creates an actual air layer – with much higher efficiency. That air layer covers the vessel’s entire flat bottom. And because of how it’s produced, it can be fully controlled and optimized,” he said.
Innovative Solutions Unveiled At Summit
Hydrus was also in attendance with its Senior Engineer Nikolaos Christopoulos outlining the Decarbonisation Strategy Roadmap, while George Ntroulias, Business Development Director, joined the debate on the financing round table.
Wärtsilä’s Truls-Magnus Lindseth, talked about the importance of carbon capture while his colleague Giorgos Samoilis introduced the audience to its EnergoFlow system, which is an innovative, robust and cost-effective pre-swirl stator that increases fuel efficiency without increasing maintenance needs.
Captain Pankaj Sharma, Group Director of Digital Performance at The Columbia Group, told delegates that its EngineLink engine digitization tool was an innovative cost-effective game-changer for ship owners and ship managers. “With its smart data capabilities, EngineLink can transform Fleet Monitoring, Engine Condition Assessment, and Emission Tracking, catering to the customized needs of clients regardless of the type of machinery onboard or engine room layout. It has successfully been installed on over 300 vessels, making it a holistic solution that adapts to meet customer expectations,” he said.
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Source: allaboutshipping
