132 INTERVIEW KNUD E. HANSEN was established in 1937 as one of the first independent naval architect companies in the world. It has a strong reputation for designing small cruise ships and ferries and is skilled in designing specific functional elements for bigger ships. “Today we have over 100 staff working across Europe, the USA and Australia, all with a background in either engineering or design,” says Finn Wollesen, managing director at KNUD E. HANSEN. “We specialise in new vessel design, but quite a big part of the business is dedicated to upgrading ships. We provide cruise operators with high-level engineering services, especially for certain big service installations like stability, fire and safety, HVAC and alternative fuels.” The firm has built significant sustainability knowledge over the years and is now using this when designing new ships and working on refits. It helps shipowners to develop a strategic framework for transitioning their fleets towards more environmentally responsible operations by optimising energy use, harvesting waste energy and embracing sustainable technologies to reduce emissions. “Right now, every shipowner in the world is considering their sustainability strategy, including the fuel they use and how to increase efficiency,” says Brian Bender Madsen, head of machinery and systems at KNUD E. HANSEN. “Most cruise and ferry companies don’t have the skills to do that entirely in-house, but we are well-placed to guide them through this process by helping them to consider all of the known factors and anticipating future factors.” Madsen explains that it is easier for KNUD E. HANSEN to help clients develop a comprehensive green transition strategy if it is involved in the initial design and build process for the ship, but says the firm is “equally adept at working with shipowners to incorporate more sustainable technologies into existing fleets.” For bigger cruise ships, KNUD E. HANSEN will likely be part of a larger transition team and take responsibility for specific technologies. Typically, KNUD E. HANSEN starts projects by reviewing the operating profile of each ship in the fleet and then establishes measurable targets, and short-, medium- and long-term Transitioning to a greener fleet Jon Ingleton sits down with Finn Wollesen and Brian Bender Madsen to hear how KNUD E. HANSEN is helping shipowners to transition to more sustainable operations “ Every shipowner in the world is considering their sustainability strategy” Finn Wollesen KNUD E. HANSEN provides cruise operators with high-level engineering services
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=