By
Alex Smith |
The impact of zero-emissions targets, high-tech green solutions and measuring emissions to make shipping sustainable were key topics at GreenPort Congress 2019, which took place in Oslo, Norway from 16-18 October 2019.
Battery, LNG and shore power were among the technologies discussed by major cruise companies, who shared their research into zero emissions operations.
“Batteries are ideal for short-sea shipping but not for anything else,” said Tor Svensson, vice president of maritime technology at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “On the subject of tackling nitrous oxides and particulate matter, LNG and selective catalytic reduction can cut these emissions to just 1%.”
Tom Strang, senior vice president of maritime affairs at Carnival Corporation, told delegates that his company works closely with ports to maintain a dialogue on technology developments that are feasible for both sectors. This approach is motivated by the fact that “the real dilemma in industry is not knowing which direction to go in.”
Strang also noted that Carnival’s brand AIDA Cruises will trial fuel cells from 2021.
Meanwhile, Nils Kemme, associate partner at HPC Hamburg Port Consulting, spoke about the role of ports in reducing emissions. “While a port can shortlist 20 or so measures, it doesn’t mean they are good for every port” he said.
Kemme identified four steps for ports to follow when deciding how to reduce emissions. These included terminal inspections examining energy consumption; shortlisting to identify potential improvements; simulation analysis to quantify energy saving and operational impact and lifecycle assessment to assess and compare emissions over the lifecycle of an asset.