Energy Efficient Operations News

While merriam-webster.com is succinct in its definition of ‘autonomous’, ask 10 people in the maritime sector what ‘autonomous’ vessel means to them and the responses vary widely. Achieving autonomous, unmanned operations is not high, today, on the agenda of many (if any) shipowners. What does command their attention? Building ships that are increasingly ‘smart,’ with integrated, connected systems that take on additional decision-making processes while helping to reduce crew size (and cost)…

The start of every year calls for time to reflect on the last. The offshore and marine industry can look back on 2016 as one of the most bruising in recent memory. The downturn has been tough and drawn out, with increased divestment, more stringent environmental regulations and a prolonged shipbuilding cycle that has resulted in overcapacity. However, challenges can be harnessed as a force for progress. The downcycle has pushed the industry to reshape its competitive landscape, probably a change that has been overdue.

The European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) has reiterated their support for International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as the proper leader of efforts to reduce shipping’ s greenhouse gas emissions at the start of the COP 21 Climate Change Conference in Paris. “We fully support the idea that shipping has to contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions” commented Patrick Verhoeven, ECSA Secretary General, adding: “EU Member States gave a vote of confidence to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in its ability to address as soon as possible and in an effective manner greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. We believe this is the right approach as it would be the logical continuation of steps already taken at EU level.

Five pilot projects have been cohsen to be pursued as part of Norway’s Green Coastal Shipping Program aiming to encourage research and implementation of green technology concepts in the country’s shipping sector. The pilot projects, presented by DNV GL and 25 partners from the Norwegian maritime industry and the Norwegian authorities, include several different ship types, and infrastructure with an emphasis on alternative fuel concepts. "When we launched the Green Coastal Shipping Program, we said we wanted to make Norway a world showcase for green coastal shipping.

“Set it and forget it” may work well for rotisserie cookers, but that approach can be disastrous for shipboard HVAC systems. It’s not uncommon to find that the last time an HVAC system’s settings were checked on board is when it is was first set – upon installation. Typically, claims energy advisory firm utiliVisor, the ships’ engineers set the parameters and then go on their merry way. “A lot of marine companies mostly look at engine and generator performance, but no one is taking a look at chilled water…

Polarcus receive the world’s first-ever DNV Level 1 Triple-E™ rating for its fleet of sesimic survey vessels. Triple-E™ is a voluntary environmental rating scheme for ships with a rating from Level 4 to Level 1, where 1 is the highest. To achieve Level 1, all levels must be complied with and there are areas of compliance within management, operation and design. The rating is based on a verification of a ship’s actual energy efficiency and environmental performance, carried out by an independent third party.