On Course for the Future

Sustainability rules for merchant shipping


By virtue of its energy efficiency and of the so-called efficiency of masses, ocean shipping is considered to be the most environmentally friendly means of transport. At the same time however, it is also seen as the most strictly regulated industry in the world. Companies working in international merchant shipping further more bear an especially large ecological responsibility as our area of activities covers the globe. Ongoing improvements to achieve progress are thus our foremost objective.

We already established in the previous issue of OnBoard that the future belongs to efficient ships. But improvements are being pushed through not only in the field of the propulsion systems of the giant ocean ships. A large number of measures aim to lessen the output of CO2 and other exhaust gases, to reduce the consumption of resources or to monitor the treatment of waste deriving from the construction work via operation through to the scrapping of a ship.

More than 95 % of intercontinental trade is shipbound. At the same time, according to a current IMO study, ocean shipping contributes only approximately 2.7 % to global emissions. Comparing the CO2 efficiency of the various means of transport, ocean shipping comes out on top. However, in view of the expected effects of climate change on the earth – caused largely by greenhouse gases such as CO2 – any gram of CO2 that can be saved is of importance. In the case of large technical systems such as ships, savings of many tons of CO2 rapidly accumulate, even if only a few per cent can be saved on fuel consumption.

The reduction of CO2 was also the sub ject of the 59th MPEC Meeting of the IMO in mid-July. A catalogue of technical and operational measures in the shipping industry to reduce CO2 emissions was agreed on. One special topic dealt with indicators with which the energy efficiency of a ship can be described. The technical development of all elements that contribute to the efficiency of a ship is to be promoted with the “Energy Efficiency Design Index” (EEDI). The “Energy Efficiency Operational Index” (EEOI) describes the effective operation of new or existing ships. The application of both indices is voluntary.

The economic crisis has also led to a rise in the number of ships being scrapped. To ensure that not only the steel is recycled, as was the case in the past, but that all substances contained in a ship are recovered and used or properly disposed of, the IMO has submitted a convention with regard to the safe and environmentally compatible “dismantling” of ships. One item in the convention is an inventory list in particular of environmentally critical substances that is kept up-to-date through out the operating lifetime of the ship.

One approach to an environmentally friendly power supply on board is fuel cell technology. In September, a 320 kW module from the manufacturer MTU Onsite Energy was fitted in a 92 metre long offshore supply ship (“Viking Lady”). In this, electricity is generated from liquefied petroleum gas with an efficiency of approximately 50 %. Together with the used waste heat, efficiency rises to 90 % – and despite this, only water and CO2 come out of the fuel cell. For the same amount of energy, less CO2 is released than with conventional diesel generators and furthermore no nitrogen oxides or fine dust are released. The seaworthiness of the fuel cells is to be tested within the framework of the “Fellowship” project.

Also in the case of certain lubricants, there are already alternatives to conventional fats and oils. Castrol produces lubricating oils for deck machines, power transmissions or hydraulic systems from regenerative raw materials. This has a dual positive effect because not only does it save oil resources but also this alternative oil is biodegradable, which above all is important if abrasion particles find their way directly into the water.

In the field of environmental protection, all Hanseatic Lloyd vessels fulfil the statutory MARPOL regulations. This International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships is valid throughout the world and regulates numerous aspects in respect of preventing pollution of the sea – it is the backbone of global efforts to minimise contamination of the marine environment.

At Hanseatic Lloyd, preparations are under way to introduce the environmental protection system ISO 14001. This standard prescribes an ongoing improvement of the overall environmental impact of a company. We set concrete environmental targets, plan the way to achieve these, review what has been attained and repeat this process on a regular basis. As a globally operating group of companies we are conscious of our responsibility to people and to the environment and we act accordingly.

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