The industry is making strides towards implementing sustainable practices that help reduce its environmental impact. Our list below details the various strategies that are currently in use. Encouraging all marine trade businesses to adopt some of these initiatives would not only serve to minimise the environmental effects of maritime operations but also pave the way for a more resilient and future-proof industry.

Energy efficiency and emission reduction

Fuel efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient ship designs and optimising vessel operations to reduce fuel consumption. This can include better hull designs, propeller improvements, and real-time route optimisation.

Alternative fuels: Transitioning to low or zero-emission fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia. Each of these options has different benefits and challenges in terms of availability, infrastructure, and environmental impact.

Electrification: Using electric or hybrid propulsion systems, especially for short-distance and coastal shipping. This includes battery-powered ships and those using shore power when docked to reduce emissions from auxiliary engines.

Regulations and standards

International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations: Complying with and exceeding IMO regulations, such as the IMO 2020 sulphur cap and future greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets. This includes adopting measures like the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

National and regional policies: Following stricter national and regional policies that promote sustainability, such as the European Union’s MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) regulation and the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) where stricter emission standards apply.

Technological innovations

Air lubrication systems: Reducing hull friction by creating a layer of air bubbles between the hull and the water, leading to lower fuel consumption.

Wind-assisted propulsion: Utilising technologies like Flettner rotors, kites, and sails to harness wind power, thus reducing the reliance on traditional fuel sources.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS): Developing onboard systems to capture and store carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

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Operational improvements

Slow steaming: Reducing the speed of ships to lower fuel consumption and emissions. While this extends voyage time, it significantly reduces fuel use and GHG emissions.

Port operations: Enhancing port operations to reduce waiting times and improve efficiency, thus cutting down on fuel consumption and emissions during docking and unloading.

Digitalisation: Implementing advanced digital technologies for better fleet management, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring of vessel performance and environmental impact.

Circular Economy

Ship recycling: Ensuring ships are dismantled and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner, adhering to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.

Sustainable materials: Using sustainable materials and components in shipbuilding and retrofitting to reduce the environmental impact over the ship’s lifecycle.

Collaboration and partnerships

Industry collaboration: Engaging in industry-wide collaborations to share best practices, research, and development efforts. Initiatives like the Global Maritime Forum and the Getting to Zero Coalition bring together stakeholders to work towards common sustainability goals.

Public-private partnerships: Leveraging public-private partnerships to fund and accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable maritime technologies and infrastructure.

Education and training

Crew training: Providing training for crew members on energy-efficient practices, new technologies, and environmental regulations to ensure they can operate ships sustainably.

Awareness campaigns: Running awareness campaigns within the maritime community to promote sustainable practices and the importance of reducing environmental impact.

Sustainable practises are not restricted to the larger organisations, small Marine Trade businesses can play their part. Learn how:

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