Simple Solution for Major Fuel And Pollution Savings in Shipping Set for Deployment

The shipping industry, responsible for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces pressure to reduce its environmental impact. One promising solution is the “Blue Visby Solution,” which aims to cut emissions by changing operational practices rather than modifying ships or developing new technologies, reports The Cool Down.

The Blue Visby Solution

Current Practice: “Sail Fast, Then Wait”

• Description: Ships travel quickly from one port to another and often wait idly outside the port for their turn to dock and unload/load cargo.
• Impact: This practice leads to higher fuel consumption and increased emissions. Ships spend up to 8% of their time idling at anchor, contributing to pollution and inefficiency.

Proposed Practice: Coordinated Arrival

• Description: Ships would slow down and coordinate their arrival times with the port, ensuring each ship arrives at its designated time without unnecessary waiting.
• Impact: This change could reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 28%, according to the consortium behind the Blue Visby Solution.

Benefits

Environmental Impact

• Reduced Emissions: By slowing down and minimizing idle time, ships would burn less fuel, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Less Hull Fouling: Reduced idle time in the water decreases the accumulation of algae and slime on the hull, maintaining ship efficiency and reducing the need for frequent cleanings.

Operational Efficiency

• Fuel Savings: Slower speeds lead to lower fuel consumption, resulting in cost savings for shipping companies.
• Port Efficiency: Better coordination can streamline port operations, reducing congestion and improving turnaround times.

Implementation

Ease of Adoption

• No Major Modifications Needed: The Blue Visby Solution requires changes in operational practices rather than costly modifications to ships or infrastructure.
• Software and Coordination: Implementation relies on software to manage ship schedules and ensure timely arrivals.

Testing and Results

• Successful Trials: Recent tests conducted by the consortium, including all components like contracts, software, operations, and benefit-sharing mechanisms, have shown positive results.
• Commercial Deployment: The Blue Visby Solution is on track for commercial deployment within the year, indicating readiness for broader adoption.

Comparison with Other Solutions

Green Fuels

• Ammonia and Hydrogen: These fuels offer significant emission reductions but require new infrastructure and technology development.
• Electric Ships: Powered by lithium-ion batteries, these ships are still in early stages and face challenges related to battery capacity and charging infrastructure.

Advantages of Blue Visby

• Cost-Effective: Unlike green fuels and electric ships, the Blue Visby Solution is inexpensive and straightforward to implement.
• Immediate Impact: The solution can be adopted quickly, offering near-term reductions in emissions.