1 2 2 INTERV IEW Sailing to calmer waters Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft’s Philipp Maracke speaks with Elly Yates-Roberts about the shipyard’s busy schedule and focus on sustainability Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic and the associated cruising hiatus, German shipyard Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) sailed back to calmer waters in 2021. While the challenges presented by the pandemic may have occupied the minds of organisations working in the cruise and ferry sector over the past couple of years, many are now recentring their efforts on sustainability. FSG is currently developing a new product which aims to help operators minimise fuel consumption. The propulsion concept can be adapted for use with LNG, dualfuel engines, battery power and future fuels, providing users with a flexible and fuel-efficient solution. Since most ship fleets currently comprise conventionally powered vessels that are intended to sail for the next 20-30 years, this product will focus on allowing them to run on LNG, as it is the most convenient and accessible alternative fuel currently available. The shipyard is also investing in research into other new and more environmentally friendly technologies like ammonia, methanol or hydrogen for future use. “FSG’s expertise in ship efficiency and especially LNG propulsion will help our clients to successfully manage the transition to other eco-friendly technology,” says Philipp Maracke, CEO of FSG. “New technologies and a highly skilled workforce are the biggest advantages that German yards have.” Attention to detail also sets FSG apart from its competitors, says Maracke. “With technically complicated work that needs to be built to customers’ specifications rather than being mass-produced, FSG has a great chance of competing with other yards,” he explains. “FSG has new orders that are already well under way to being delivered on schedule, and we’re excited for what the future holds.” CFR “ FSG’s expertise in ship efficiency and especially LNG propulsion will help our clients to successfully manage the transition to other eco-friendly technology”
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