Selected Headlines on Alternative Fuels & Technologies 2024

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES 

 BY INTERCARGO – May 2024

DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS

NYK and Tsuneishi working on world’s first biomass-fuelled vessel

‘Bioship’ project also involves Drax Group in the UK. (Tradewinds : click here)

Lemissoler signs for up to eight methanol dual-fuel ultramaxes in China

Cyprus-based bulker player Lemissoler Navigation has ordered up to eight methanol dual-fuel ultramaxes at CSSC-affiliated Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding in Guangzhou. (Splash247: click here)

Bulker duo averages 17.3% CO2 reduction in Blue Visby trial

The first trials of the Blue Visby Solution prototype have claimed to have reduced CO2 emissions by 17.3% on average during voyages on two bulkers chartered to CBH Group, a Blue Visby Consortium member. (Splash247: click here)

New Times Shipbuilding launches LNG dual-fuel bulker for EPS

Chinese shipbuilder New Times Shipbuilding (NTS) has launched a liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel bulker for Singapore-based shipowner Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS). (Off-shore energy: click here)

Bulk carrier’s wind-assisted propulsion system drops energy consumption by more than 30%

A landmark vessel trial of wind-assisted technology has had its results validated by class society DNV. (Riviera news: click here)

Wind propulsion systems set to be installed on seven new MOL Drybulk vessels

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that its subsidiary MOL Drybulk is set to install wind propulsion systems on six newbuilding bulk carriers and one multi-purpose vessel. (Ship Energy: click here)

Norwegian Firms Team Up To Develop Hydrogen-Powered Dry Bulk Vessels

Maris Fiducia Norway has entered into cooperation agreements with maritime technology company HAV Hydrogen and the hydrogen producer and distributor Norwegian Hydrogen with the aim of developing, building and operating hydrogen-powered dry-bulk vessels in Europe. (Bunkerspot: click here)

METHANOL

Consortium signs MoU for green methanol facility in Egypt

AD Ports Group, container shipping line and terminal operator Transmar, and Orascom Construction, a global engineering and construction contractor, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of a green methanol storage and export facility in Egypt which will aim to supply low carbon bunker fuel. (Ship Energy: click here)

Methanol trumps LNG as the alternative fuel of choice for newbuildings this year

Methanol is the most popular choice for more than half the 23 alternative-fuelled newbuildings contracted in April, and accounts for most of the dual-fuelled orders this year, according to DNV. (Tradewinds : click here)

COSCO spends $114m upgrading four boxship newbuilds to methanol power

China’s largest shipowner’s embrace of methanol as a future fuel is deepening. COSCO Shipping has announced that four 16,180 teu ships it contracted a sister firm to build will now be converted to methanol duel-fuel vessels. (Splash247: click here)

AMMONIA

Trafigura orders ammonia dual-fuel gas carriers

Commodities giant Trafigura has contracted four ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers at HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. (Splash247: click here)

ADNOC delivers ‘world’s first’ bulk shipment of CCS-enabled certified low-carbon ammonia to Japan

ADNOC has delivered what it described as ‘the world’s first certified bulk commercial shipment of low-carbon ammonia enabled by carbon capture and storage (CCS)’ to Mitsui. (Ship Energy: click here)

MAN claims its ammonia engine’s N20 emissions are ‘extremely low’

MAN said it also cuts NOx emissions by 40% compared with fuel oil. (Lloyds List: click here)

Successful sea trials for ammonia OSV

Propulsion and manoeuvrability trials of an ammonia-fuelled offshore supply vessel have successfully completed at the Port of Singapore. (Ports Strategy: click here)

Plug signs MOU with Allied Green Ammonia for 3GW of electrolyzer supply at green ammonia plant

Supply up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of Plug electrolyzer capacity for AGA’s upcoming hydrogen-to-ammonia facility proposed for the Northern Territory of Australia. (Green car congress: click here)

Fortescue completes ammonia-powered sea trial in Singapore

The 10-day trial included emission management test and engine performance assessment. (Lloyds List: click here)

WinGD’s confirmed ammonia dual-fuel engine order book reaches 10 with the latest win

AET tanker pair represents fi rst 62-bore orders for engine maker. (Tradewinds : click here)

HYDROGEN

Researchers propose novel method for hydrogen synthesis in natural gas reservoirs

Researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Russia explored the conversion of methane into hydrogen in the gas reservoir with zero oil saturation via steam methane reforming initiated by in situ gas combustion. (Green car congress: click here)

CMB.Tech inks deal for four hydrogen-powered tugs

Belgium-headquartered green technology developer CMB.Tech has signed a shipbuilding contract with Damen’s Dubai shipyard for four hydrogen-powered tugs. (Riviera news: click here)

Namibia’s Walvis Bay could become key green bunkering hub

The project will export ammonia to Europe alongside acting as a green bunkering hub, which Port of Antwerp-Bruges International chief executive said is key to securing confidence. (Lloyds List: click here)

BIOMASS/BIOFUELS

Norden concludes first B100 biofuel bunkering in Singapore

Danish shipping company Norden has wrapped up the 100% biofuel (B100) bunkering in Singapore, reaching a new milestone in its ambition to contribute to the industry’s decarbonization. (Off-shore energy: click here)

GCMD and NYK Line teaming up to study long-term impact of continuous biofuel usage

Project LOTUS – a six-month study looking at the long-term impact of continuous use of biofuels on vessel operations. Ship Energy: click here)

NYK bullish on biofuels’ role in maritime decarbonization

Biofuels could play an important role in decarbonizing the maritime industry which is under pressure to gradually reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Takuya Koizumi, general manager of NYK’s Decarbonization Group, said. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Tata Steel shipping head says cargo owners must drive green transition

Indian steel maker is pushing for greater use of biofuel and LNG. (Lloyds List: click here)

FuelEU to more than double biofuel bunker demand

Bunker suppliers not expecting a biofuel supply crunch until 2030. (Lloyds List: click here)

Biogas: renewables’ ugly duckling

Perceived as a “dirty” technology, can biogas overcome the socio-cultural barriers to its development? (Energy Monitor: click here)

100% biofuel barge serves western Med

Marine energy supplier, Peninsular, has added an IMO II biofuel tanker to its fleet of fuel distribution barges in the western Mediterranean. (Motorship: click here)

CARBON CAPTURE

CSSC’s tech firm and Evergreen trial onboard carbon capture

Ever Top, equipped with an onboard carbon capture and storage system, has arrived back at Shanghai’s Yangshanport after a three-month voyage. (Lloyds List: click here)

TECHNOLOGIES

PowerCell to supply fuel cell systems to O.S. Energy for research vessel

PowerCell has signed an order for two 100 kW marine fuel cell systems from O.S. Energy for the Transship II sustainable vessel project. (Green car congress: click here)

DECARBONISATION

Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance lifts ambitions for climate agenda

Poseidon Principles agreed to adopt a new trajectory on climate change, aligning with the IMO’s 2023 revised greenhouse gas emissions strategy which includes a call to reach net-zero emissions by or around 2050. (Ship Energy: click here)

Which ports will win the green fuel race?

Some ports are better placed than others to provide green bunkering, a new report says. (Lloyds List: click here)

More than 4,000 ship engines caught up in Japanese fuel data scandal

The transport ministry sent inspectors to two factories belonging to IHI Corp today after the Japanese manufacturing giant admitted it had falsified fuel economy data for ship and railway engines for at least 20 years. (Splash247: click here)

Where’s the e-power?

In order to scale green hydrogen production to limit global warming to 1.5 C, electrolyser roll-out needs to be 6,000 times greater by 2050 than it was in 2022. (Ship Energy: click here)

Germany developing National Action Plan for climate-friendly shipping

The action plan is being developed as an initiative of the Federal Government by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). (Green car congress: click here)

FuelEU regulation set for ‘chaotic birth’, lawyers warn

Brussels greenhouse gas rules ‘complicated, technical, pernickety and mathematical’ and possibly unachievable at current rate, argues WFW duo. (Lloyds List: click here)

Green Shipping Corridors moving from study to plans

The number of Green Shipping Corridors have been growing in order to ensure end to end fuel availability on major feeder routes. (Ports Strategy: click here)

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES

 BY INTERCARGO– April 2024

DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS

Industry players to develop and commercialize ammonia-fueled bulkers

Several Japanese companies and a German engine manufacturer have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together to commercialize ammonia-fueled bulk carriers. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Gearbulk orders up to four ‘Pulpmax’ ammonia bulkers for G2 Ocean pool

Norway’s Gearbulk has ordered up to four ammonia and methanol-ready bulkers for its G2 Ocean pool operated with Grieg Maritime Group. (Tradewinds : click here)

Bulk carrier life cycle assessment quantifies benefits of energy-saving technologies

The CHEK project’s analysis of the emissions reduction potential that multiple energy saving technologies would have on a Kamsarmax bulk carrier paves the way for decarbonisation solutions and more accurate ESG reporting. (Motorship: click here)

K Line, NS United and Itochu named as owners of ammonia-fuelled bulker

Japanese shipowners K Line and NS United and trading house Itochu Corp will own one of the first vessels to be fitted with MAN Energy Solutions’ under-development ammonia-fuelled engines. (TradeWinds: click here)

BHP shortlists shipyards and operators for new ammonia-fuelled bulkers

Australian mining giant will order at least one green dry cargo ship for delivery in 2026. (TradeWinds: click here)

METHANOL

JP Morgan tipped for $270m Equinor charters for new methanol-fuelled product tankers

Investors linked to US bank said to have scooped big deal, but question marks have been placed over profitability. (TradeWinds: click here)

Danish shipowner orders eight hybrid methanol dual-fuel tankers in China

Denmark-based shipping company MH Simonsen has placed an order for eight hybrid-electric methanol dual-fuel chemical tankers at China’s Jiangxi New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding. (Offshore-energy: click here)

MPCC opts for sustainable financing for two methanol dual-fuel ships

Norwegian shipping company MPC Container Ships (MPCC) has signed a $55 million pre- and post-delivery ECA-covered financing agreement with Deutsche Bank and SINOSURE for its two dual-fuel methanol newbuildings. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Wärtsilä’s auxiliary engines picked for twelve Chinese methanol-fueled giants

Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted to provide methanol-fueled auxiliary engines for twelve new 24,000 TEU containerships owned by Chinese shipping companies. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Hapag-Lloyd confirms first dual-fuel methanol retrofits for existing fleet

Retrofit work on a series of sub new-panamax vessels owned by Seaspan will take around 90 days and cost $24m per ship. (Lloyds list: click here)   

Methanol-fueled MAN 21/31DF-M genset secures first propulsion order

MAN Energy Solutions has received an order for 3 × MAN 6L21/31DF-M (Dual Fuel-Methanol) GenSets capable of running on methanol in connection with the construction of a 7,990 dwt IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker. (Green Car Congress: click here)

China looks to lead low-carbon methanol production

Four green methanol plants have begun construction in China in the past two months, including Maersk’s supplier. (Lloyds list: click here)   

Joined up thinking on methanol storage

Spanish energy company Cepsa has signed a methanol storage agreement with Evos, a liquid energy and chemical company with hubs in strategic locations at ports across Europe. (Motorship: click here)

AMMONIA

HD Hyundai Mipo kick-starts production of ammonia-powered ships

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Mipo, an affiliate of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, revealed it has developed an ammonia-powered ship using a number of domestic technologies. (Offshore-energy: click here)

JERA to begin truck-to-ship ammonia bunkering next month

Japanese power generation company JERA Co. has announced it will start truck-to-ship ammonia bunkering of the NYK Line-owned tugboat A-Tug at the end of May. (Ship. Energy: click here)

‘World’s first’ ammonia dual-fuel Aframaxes ordered by MISC

Malaysia’s shipowner MISC has ordered and chartered out, via its petroleum arm AET, ‘the world’s first’ two ammonia dual-fuel Aframaxes. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Agreement reached for 1.4m tonne US ammonia plant

Low-carbon fuel will be developed at world’s largest ammonia producer CF Industries’ site in Louisiana. (Lloyds list: click here)   

HYDROGEN

India rolls out program to support green hydrogen ship retrofits

India’s government has released a new scheme that aims to support retrofitting existing vessels to run on green hydrogen. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Norwegian shipyard to build the ‘world’s largest’ hydrogen-powered ships

Norwegian shipyard Myklebust Verft has been selected to build two hydrogen-powered ferries ordered by compatriot transport company Torghatten Nord. (Off-shore energy: click here)

MOL inaugurates 10MW green hydrogen plant for Danube Refinery

The 10-megawatt electrolysis unit created by Plug Power produces around 1,600 tonnes of clean, carbon-neutral green hydrogen per year. (Green Car Congress: click here)

BIOMASS/BIOFUELS

Japanese duo employs biomethane to bolster efforts toward carbon-neutral future

Two Japanese players, Mitsui & Co. and Tokyo Gas, have taken steps to bring liquefied biomethane derived from biogas produced overseas to Japan. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Cargill works to widen biofuel reach in shipping as Europe growth slows

FuelEU Maritime could change dynamics for biofuels demand. (TradeWinds: click here)

Newbuild bunker tanker delivers B30 biofuel blend in Singapore

Vitol Bunkers has supplied a B30 biofuel blend in Singapore, the first time a biofuel with a concentration above B25 has been delivered. (Riviera: click here)

Wallenius Wilhelmsen reveals another billion-dollar deal with biofuel included

Norwegian shipping and logistic company Wallenius Wilhelmsen have secured a new multi-year contract worth more than $1 billion with a ‘leading global player’ in the premium car segment. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Low-emission freight tender shows pragmatic approach to decarbonisation

Zemba’s choice of bio-LNG in its green shipping tender highlights the challenge of zero-emission fuels. (Lloyds list: click here)   

100% biofuel barge serves western Med

Marine energy supplier, Peninsular, has added an IMO II biofuel tanker to its fleet of fuel distribution barges in the western Mediterranean. (Motorship: click here)

CARBON CAPTURE

Korean LCO2 storage tanks unveiled

A South Korean manufacturer has unveiled how the world’s largest liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) storage tanks will look like. (Splash247: click here)

TECHNOLOGIES

Weighing up energy saving technology options

Across the maritime industry, stakeholders are faced with a step change in emissions-related financial exposure and this will only increase over the next few years. (Hellenic Shipping News: click here)

Finnlines installs shore power on three vessels

Manta Marine fitted three ro-pax ships with onshore power systems in 10 months. (Lloyds list: click here)   

Seoul studies nuclear potential for ships

The state-run Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) is studying developing core technologies for small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ships and floating SMR power generation platforms in a four-year R&D program. (Splash247: click here)

First Japanese hydrogen fuel cell vessel delivered

The 33-metre-long passenger vessel Hanaria was delivered by Hongawara Shipyard on 15 March 2024. (Motorship: click here)

Advent Technologies partners with Siemens Energy to develop 500 kW HT-PEM fuel cell system for ships

The goal is to develop an integrated 500kW High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell solution for maritime applications. (Green Car Congress: click here)

ClassNK verifies Methane Slip Reduction System developed by Hitachi Zosen, MOL and Yanmar PT

Japanese classification society ClassNK has verified the methane slip reduction effect of the methane slip reduction system jointly developed by Hitachi O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Yanmar Power Technology. (Ship Management International: click here)   

TECO 2030 wins DNV AIP for containerized fuel cell power generator

Norwegian cleantech company TECO 2030 received approval in principle (AIP) for a containerized fuel cell power generator (FCPG) for use onboard oceangoing applications. (Offshore-energy: click here)

MOL unveils maintenance robot

The wall climbing robot can help with ship inspections and maintenance work and has received endorsement from Japanese classification society, ClassNK, following a demonstration test. (Splash247: click here)   

DECARBONISATION

Japan eyes hydrogen production using next-gen nuclear reactor

The Japanese government plans to start field testing clean hydrogen production using nuclear power as soon as 2028. (Asia Nikkei.com: click here)   

Singapore to launch training facility for clean marine fuel operation

MPA and industry partners have agreed to establish Maritime Energy Training Facility. Lloyds list: click here)   

G7 nations to ditch coal by mid-2030s and back energy storage

Pledge by group of highly industrialised nations for first time includes commitment to coal exit by Japan. (Recharge: click here)

How one methanol ship can make up to 75 fuel oil vessels compliant with FuelEU

Finnish pool start-up Ahti Maritime has revealed how 70 vessels burning heavy fuel oil (HFO) can be made compliant with FuelEU regulations by just a single e-methanol ship

(TradeWinds: click here)

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES 

 BY INTERCARGO- March 2024

DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS

Ultrabulk closes in on ammonia-fueled vessels order after ship sales

Denmark-based owner-operator Ultrabulk is hoping to finalize orders for new ammonia-fueled bulk carriers this year. (Tradewinds : click here)

U-Ming Singapore and ITOCHU plans ammonia fueled bulk carriers

U-Ming Marine Transport (S) Pte Ltd (U-Ming), a subsidiary of Taiwanese-listed U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation   has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITOCHU Corporation to explore discussions on jointly owning and operating ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers. (Vessel Performance : click here)

Cargill’s wind propulsion trial data shows technology’s ‘potential’

Results of a six-month test on board bulk carrier Pyxis Ocean showed fuel savings of 11 tons per day in optimal conditions. (Riviera: click here)

Pacific Basin readies new propeller coating across its giant fleet

Hong Kong dry bulk giant Pacific Basin has decided to apply a sustainable graphene-based propeller coating, XGIT-PROP, across its entire fleet. (Splash247: click here)

Berge Bulk confirms order for two ammonia-fueled newcastlemax bulkers in China

Bulker giant says order is part of ‘Marshall Plan’ to be carbon neutral by 2025 and achieve zero emissions by 2050. (Tradewinds: click here)

Eastern Pacific confirms orders for ammonia dual-fuel newcastlemax bulkers at Chinese yard

Ship owning giant firms up long-mooted bulker orders and declares an option for two LNG dual-fuel tankers. (Tradewinds : click here)

METHANOL

Methanol Institute: ‘Global low carbon methanol supply rapidly expanding’

The Methanol Institute (MI) has reported that a new database that it has developed with Finland-based GENA Solutions has reflected a ‘remarkable growth’ in bio methanol and e-methanol projects. (Ship. Energy: click here)

AMMONIA

HD Hyundai Mipo kick-starts production of ammonia-powered ships

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Mipo, an affiliate of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, revealed it has developed an ammonia-powered ship using a number of domestic technologies. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Go-ahead for ammonia bunkering barge

A milestone project to create a floating ammonia bunkering facility in Norway is paving the way for a wider global roll-out. (Ports strategy: click here)   

Fortescue marks first use of ammonia as marine fuel in dual-fuel vessel in Port of Singapore

Fortescue, with the support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), government agencies, research institutes, and industry partners, has successfully conducted the world’s first use of ammonia. (Green Car Congress: click here)

HYDROGEN

India rolls out program to support green hydrogen ship retrofits

India’s government has released a new scheme that aims to support retrofitting existing vessels to run on green hydrogen. (Off-shore energy: click here)

MAN ES and Mitsui E&S perform world’s first hydrogen combustion test on marine 2-stroke engine

MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) and its licensee Mitsui E&S have unlocked a new milestone in the maritime industry with the world’s first hydrogen combustion operation of a large marine engine. (Offshore-energy: click here)

Mitsui performs ‘world-first hydrogen test’ on a large marine two stroke engine

Mitsui E&S has successfully tested a 50-bore MAN B&W two-stroke engine up to 100% load at its Tamano facility while running on hydrogen – which it says is ‘a world-first for the maritime industry’.(Bunkerspot: click here)

BIOMASS/BIOFUELS

Vitol deploys its new bunker barge for first delivery of B30 biofuel blend in Singapore

Vitol Bunkers, a wholly owned bunker arm of energy and commodities company Vitol, has put into operation its newbuild specialized bunker barge, the Marine Future, to complete the first delivery of B30 biofuel blend in Singapore. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Yang Ming to use sustainable biofuel to boost decarbonization efforts

Taiwanese shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation has decided to adopt sustainable biofuel into its fleet to respond to the 2050 net-zero emissions goal. (Off-shore energy: click here)

DOE 2023 Billion Ton report finds US can sustainably produce more than one billion tons of biomass per year, meeting SAF demand

The US Department of Energy (DOE) released the 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23), which shows that the US could sustainably triple its production of biomass to more than 1 billion tons per year. (Green Car Congress: click here)

Simply Blue Group looking to produce sustainable fuels for aviation and maritime sectors

The offshore wind project developer Simply Blue Group has announced that it is working on onshore renewable energy parks (REPs) to power facilities capable of producing sustainable fuels. (Bunkerspot: click here)

CARBON CAPTURE

ClassNK certifies world’s first onboard CCS installation on EVERGREEN Neopanamax container vessel

The notation signifies that the vessel is now equipped with an onboard CO2 capture and storage (CCS) systems, marking it as the world’s first Neopanamax container vessel to be retrofitted with such systems.(Ship Management International: click here)

Study shows ports are not prepared for captured CO2 offloads

A new study commissioned by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and ARUP, has identified low port readiness as a major hurdle bottlenecking the adoption of onboard carbon capture and storage systems as a practical method. (Riviera: click here)

New South Korean project eyes development of onboard CCS

Hyundai Heavy Industries Power Systems (HPS), shipbuilder HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), CO₂ capture technology firm CE-TEK and classification society DNV have signed a joint development program agreement for the research and development of onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration on units. (Offshore-energy: click here)

NYK to use emissions capture and control tech on car carriers

Japanese shipowner NYK has concluded an agreement with STAX Engineering, a U.S. company leading in maritime emissions capture and control, to use STAX Engineering’s emissions capture and control technology to recover exhaust gases from car carriers. (Offshore-energy: click here)

TECHNOLOGIES

Union Maritime opts for wind power on new LR2 tankers in China

UK owner showing commitment to sustainability and innovation in new deal with BAR Technologies. (Tradewinds: click here)

New effort to advance rules for marine nuclear power

A leading shipbuilder and class society have joined with 11 nuclear energy companies to form a new organization to advance nuclear power in the commercial marine sector. (Riviera: click here)

Containerized hydrogen fuel cell and battery solution gives shipping new options

Hyflex uses a 100kW hydrogen fuel cell rom PowerCell in combination with batteries to generate power independently of the grid without emitting greenhouse gases when using green hydrogen. (Splash247: click here)

Weighing up energy saving technology options

Horizons analyses how the growing use of energy saving devices and technology is helping the current fleet manage increasing emissions-related penalties in the sector. (Lloyds Register: click here)

Cavitation-eliminating boss cap could provide big gains in efficiency

What is described as a ‘revolutionary’ propeller hub vortex cavitation-eliminating boss cap has successfully completed validation tests at a hydrodynamic research centre in Sweden. (The Royal Institute of Naval Architects: click here)

DECARBONISATION

Alternative-fuel newbuilding orders decline as those for bulkers and tankers rise

Most newbuilding contracts for dry cargo carriers and tankers are for conventionally fueled vessels, some with the potential to retrofit via ‘alternative-fuel ready’ specifications. (Lloyds list : click here)

First publicly available FuelEU Maritime calculator is here

FuelEU Maritime calculator has been released by zero44, a Germany based provider of digital CO2 management solutions, to help prepare shipowners for costs associated with the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation.(zero44: click here)

BV: Energy in setting key to providing pathways for ‘earliest possible’ adoption of new fuels

Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) has unveiled the results of new modeling research which confirmed the potential hefty cumulative impact of operational and technical efficiency measures in keeping shipping within its “carbon budget” to 2050. (Offshore-energy: click here)

EU to support shore power and e-fuel projects in ports with $1bn fund

Ammonia and methanol bunkering facilities able to apply for funding as well as shore power projects. (Lloyds list.: click here)

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES

 BY INTERCARGO- February 2024

DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS

Ultrabulk closes in on ammonia-fuelled vessels order after ship sales

Denmark-based owner-operator Ultrabulk is hoping to finalise orders for new ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers this year. (Tradewinds : click here)

Berge Bulk orders ammonia-ready newcastlemax pair in China

The leading newcastlemax builder in the world, CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, has bagged another order for a pair of ammonia-ready bulk carriers. (Splash247: click here)

Anglo-American wraps up 10-strong chartered fleet of LNG dual-fuel bulkers

Anglo American has announced delivery of the last of its 10-strong chartered fleet of Capesize+ LNG dual-fuel bulk carriers, the Ubuntu Liberty. (Ship Energy: click here)

BHP studies nuclear-powered ships

Mining giant BHP has become the latest big name to study the potential for nuclear to power ships. (Splash247: click here)

Diana Shipping inks contracts for dual fuel methanol Kamsarmax pair

Diana Shipping has signed shipbuilding contracts for two 81,200 DWT methanol dual fuel new-building Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels for a purchase price of $46 million each. (Ship Energy: click here)

Victoria Steamship Co. vessel to trial new Anemoi rotor sail

London-based Victoria Steamship Company is set to support Anemoi Marine Technologies with the development and testing of a new 3.5 metre diameter x 24.5-metre-high rotor sail. (Ship Energy: click here)

Seanergy Maritime Joins EU Hydrogen Fuel Project

Greek capesize specialist Seanergy Maritime, listed on the Nasdaq, has taken a significant step towards sustainable shipping by joining an ambitious European Union-backed initiative. (Energy news: click here)

METHANOL

Euronav orders two dual-fuel green methanol bitumen tankers in China

Belgian tanker shipping company Euronav has concluded an order for two dual-fuel bitumen tankers with Chinese shipbuilder China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng. (Off-shore energy: click here)

South Korea’s methanol bunkering milestone

Ulsan Port in South Korea has hosted its first green methanol ship-to-ship bunkering operation helping consolidate its position as a sustainable marine fueling location. (Ports Strategy: click here)

Unifeeder completes agreement for two additional methanol-powered vessels

Unifeeder Group has successfully completed a long-term charter agreement for two additional methanol-capable container feeder vessels. (Ship Management: click here)

AMMONIA

Wärtsilä introduces Ammonia Fuel Supply System to ease shipping’s transition to ammonia fuel

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, introduced an Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS) for ships able to operate with ammonia fuel. (Green car congress: click here)

Ammonia cracking project will focus on cost and reliability

The four-year EU-funded APOLO project will take a holistic approach to ensuring the commercial viability of ammonia cracking technology that can produce hydrogen onboard short and deep sea vessels. (Motorship: click here)

CMB.TECH to own first-ever ammonia powered boxship

CMB.TECH has ordered the world’s first ammonia-powered container vessel in partnership with Yara Clean Ammonia. (Splash 247: click here)

WinGD, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding complete initial design of ammonia fuel supply system

Swiss marine power company WinGD and Japanese shipbuilder and technology developer Mitsubishi Shipbuilding have completed the initial design of an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) for vessels powered by WinGD’s X‑DF‑A ammonia-fueled engines. (Off-shore energy: click here)

HYDROGEN

India rolls out program to support green hydrogen ship retrofits

India’s government has released a new scheme that aims to support retrofitting existing vessels to run on green hydrogen. (Off-shore energy: click here)

BIOMASS/BIOFUELS

Glomar claims 28% emissions reduction using GoodFuels’ biofuel

Dutch offshore drilling services provider Glomar Offshore has revealed that it has achieved CO2 emissions reduction by 28%. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Vitol Bunkers welcomes its first biofuel bunker barge in Singapore

Vitol Bunkers, a wholly-owned bunker arm of energy and commodities company Vitol, has taken delivery of its first specialized biofuel bunker barge, in Singapore.(Off-shore energy: click here)

CARBON CAPTURE

Chiyoda, NYK, and KNCC explore the feasibility of CCUS value chain

Japanese engineering company Chiyoda Corporation, compatriot shipping major Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and its affiliate Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (KNCC) have conducted a joint study to quantitatively evaluate and verify the feasibility of the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) value chain.  (Off-shore energy: click here)

Solvang orders world’s first full scale onboard CCS retrofit

Solvang ASA, the Norway-based shipowner, has ordered a full-scale, turnkey Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) retrofit on board one of its LPG carriers with Singaporean shipyard Seatrium. (Motorship: click here)

Onboard carbon capture system prototype hits 85% capture rates

Researchers working on the EverLoNG ship-based carbon capture (SBCC) prototype have achieved capture rates of at least up to 85% during initial testing. (Splash247: click here)

Seatrium seals deal for onboard CCS system retrofit on Solvang ethylene carrier

The project will use amine cleaning technology to capture 70% of the carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas from the main engine, involving the entire value chain for handling the gas, including liquefaction and storage on board the vessel. (Lloyds List: click here)

 TECHNOLOGIES

Nuclear power for shipping takes a step forward with the help of the world’s largest shipyard

Key agreement also involves other partners in development of molten chloride reactors. (Tradewinds: click here)

Eastern Pacific Shipping enters wind-assisted propulsion space with bound4blue deal

Eastern Pacific Shipping has made its first move in the wind-assisted propulsion space, signing a deal with rigid suction sail developer bound4blue to install three of its sails on board 50,000 dwt product tanker Pacific Sentinel (Lloyds List: click here)

K Line buys French kite manufacturer

K Line, as the top customer, has already signed up for 51 installations. (Splash247: click here)

Scorpio Tankers picks FOWE fuel emulsion systems for 100+ vessels

Monaco-based shipping company Scorpio Tankers has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to install the Fowe Eco Solutions (FOWE) fuel emulsion systems across its entire fleet of over 100 vessels. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Chemship vessel becomes first chemicaltanker in the world to be fitted with sail kit

The Dutch owner has installed four VentoFoils from Econowind on the 134 m long Chemical Challenger, a ship that works a dedicated transatlantic route. (Splash247: click here)

Norsepower to fit rotor sails on low-emission RoRo fleet chartered by Airbus

Finnish mechanical sail company Norsepower Oy and French shipowner Louis Dreyfus Armateurs SAS (LDA) have signed a deal to fit Norsepower’s rotor sails on the new low-emission RoRo fleet to be chartered to Airbus. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Liner bosses discuss potential for nuclear

The heads of two of the world’s largest containerlines have discussed how they see the role of nuclear power in the years ahead. (Splash247: click here)

Japanese majors to develop next-gen eco-friendly VLCC, set to cut GHG emissions by 40%

Japanese maritime leaders Idemitsu Tanker Co., Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and Nippon Shipyard Co. have joined forces to create a consortium to design and build a low-emission Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). (Off-shore energy: click here)

German shipowner picks Norsepower’s rotor sail to fit on cement carrier

German shipping company Baltrader Capital and Finnish provider of auxiliary wind propulsion systems Norsepower have signed a contract concerning the delivery of rotor sails which will be fitted on the shipowner’s cement carrier. (Off-shore energy: click here)

DECARBONISATION

BP poised to buy Macquarie’s 15% stake in landmark $36bn green hydrogen project in Australia

Oil giant would become the majority shareholder in the Australian Renewable Energy Hub, one of the world’s largest green H2 projects. (Recharge news: click here)

Egypt strikes $41bn of deals to turn Suez economic zone into global green energy hub

Nation already has Chinese backing for its ambitious green energy plans for the Suez Canal Economic Zone. (Recharge news: click here)

Holtec announces novel combined nuclear/solar power plant design: CSNP

Holtec International announced a new power plant design which melds the benefits of nuclear (high energy density, non-polluting, base load) with those of solar. (Green car congress: click here

SELECTED HEADLINES ON ALTERNATIVE FUELS & TECHNOLOGIES

BY INTERCARGO – January 2024

DRY BULK SHIPPING FOCUS

K Line unveils fleet expansion move with methanol-ready bulk carriers

K Line has inked a contract with compatriot shipbuilder Nihon Shipyard, a joint venture between Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) and Imabari Shipbuilding, for the construction of three methanol-ready post-Panamax bulkers. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Brokers: Eastern Pacific brings its ammonia-powered bulker tally at Qindao Beihai to 10

Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS), a Singaporean shipping company, has placed an order for four 210,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) bulk carriers featuring ammonia dual fuel propulsion technology. (Off-shore energy: click here)

Foremost Group joins elite group of early movers ordering methanol-fuelled bulkers

New York-headquartered owner books four kamsarmaxes worth about $168m (Tradewinds : click here)

METHANOL

 Bringing renewable e-methane to the market

Gasum and Nordic Ren-Gas have signed an e-methane offtake agreement bringing renewable e-methane to market starting 2026. (Motorship: click here)

ONE to build 12 methanol dual fuel container ships

Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) has signed Ship Building Contracts with Jiangnan Shipyard and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for a total construction of twelve 13,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships. (Vessel Performance: click here)

Shanghai and Evergreen team up on methanol

Shanghai International Port Group and Evergreen Marine have teamed up to supply green methanol to ships in port. (Motorship: click here)

DNV: methanol edges out LNG as top alternative fuel for vessels ordered in 2023

The latest stats from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform found that a total of 298 ships with alternative fuel propulsion were ordered in 2023—an 8% increase year on year. (Green car congress: click here)

CSET orders methanol-fuelled tanker newbuilding series

COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation (CSET) announced that it had placed an order for a series of six methanol-fuelled tanker vessels with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry on 29 December. (Motorship: click here)

AMMONIA

China’s first ammonia/diesel dual-fuel tug enters construction phase

Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry has kicked off construction of China’s first ammonia/diesel dual-fuel-powered 5500HP azimuth-stern drive (ASD) tug. (Off-shore energy: click here)

MAN lands double AiP for ammonia fuel supply system

The fuel supply system for marine engines has been awarded approval in principal from class societies DNV and Bureau Veritas. (Riviera news: click here)

Japan to launch first ammonia-fueled ammonia gas carrier in 2026

Four Japanese companies — Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Japan Engine Corporation, IHI Power Systems, and Nihon Shipyard — have signed a series of contracts to build the world’s first ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC). (Off-shore energy: click here)

Trafigura aims for six zero-emission ships by 2030

Global commodity trading giant Trafigura has set an ambitious target of having at least six zero-emission green ammonia-fuelled vessels in its fleet by 2030 to achieve a 25% reduction in the GHG intensity of its shipping operations. (Off-shore energy: click here)

First successful demonstration of onboard ammonia-H2 cracking

The successful operation of an ammonia to hydrogen cracker was successfully demonstrated on 18 November on an offshore supply vessel operated by Zumaia Offshore. (Motorship: click here)

IACS adopts new Unified Requirement (URH1) on control of ammonia releases on ammonia fuelled vessels

IACS has developed a Unified Requirement (URH1) covering the release of ammonia from the onboard systems for bunkering, storing, preparing and using ammonia as fuel. (Ship Management: click here)

Oxford researchers say green ammonia could decarbonise 60% of shipping sector

With production costs similar to very low sulphur fuels (VLSFOs), green ammonia could be a viable decarbonisation option with availability at just 10 ports. (Riviera news: click here)

HYDROGEN

 Japan’s Idemitsu planning to turn Yamaguchi refinery into clean energy hub

Japan’s second-biggest oil refiner, Idemitsu Kosan is planning to convert its 120,000 barrels a day (b/d) Yamaguchi refinery in western Japan into a hub for carbon-free energy by the 2030s, according to Reuters. (Ship Energy: click here)

Comparative lifecycle study of different modes of hydrogen production

Researchers from LUT University in Finland have compared the climate change impacts and the main factors affecting them for different categories of hydrogen production, including grey hydrogen (SMR), blue hydrogen (SMR-CCS), turquoise hydrogen (TDM), and green hydrogen (PEM electrolysis). (Green car congress: click here)

Yanmar developing hydrogen-fueled 4-stroke engine for zero-emission vessels

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (YPT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., has begun development of a hydrogen-fueled 4-stroke high-speed engine for power generation for coastal vessels in Japan as part of the Nippon Foundation’s zero-emission ship demonstration experiment. (Green car congress: click here)

Iberian Atlantic ports to explore H2 and methanol

A number of Atlantic ports on the Iberian peninsular are to play host to a variety of pilot schemes exploring the use of hydrogen and methanol for shipping and port vehicles. (Motorship: click here)

Plug Power starts production of liquid green hydrogen at Georgia plant

This is the largest electrolytic liquid hydrogen production plant, and largest PEM electrolyzer deployment operating in the US, representing a landmark achievement in Plug’s build-out of a vertically integrated hydrogen ecosystem. (Green car congress: click here)

BIOMASS/BIOFUELS

Biofuels as Marine Fuels under the IMO’s and EU’S Regulatory Framework

ABS Regulatory News provides background information and guidance for the use of biofuels for Class, EU and IMO requirements. (ABS: click here)

Trafigura looks to biofuel bunkering to comply with FuelEU

Swiss trading house reduced greenhouse gas intensity by 19% in 2023 with energy-saving measures such as weather routing. (Lloyds List: click here)

Dutch biofuel bunker demand unfazed by lower subsidies

The Dutch government slashed biofuel bunker subsidies for 2024, but Dutch ports remain the most competitive bunkering hubs for buying bio-blended fuels. (Lloyds List: click here)

Biofuel sales up 200% in Singapore

Bunker sales of biofuels in the Port of Singapore more than tripled in 2023. (Port Strategy: click here)

CARBON CAPTURE

Neste and partner companies conclude E-Fuel research project; progress in the development of electrofuels

A joint E-Fuel research project demonstrating high temperature electrolysis (SOEC), carbon capture, and hydrocarbon synthesis technologies (earlier post) has now come to its successful end. (Green car congress: click here)

TECHNOLOGIES

New tech developed to monitor vessel black carbon emissions

Green Instruments A/S, the Danish Technological Institute, and other maritime stakeholders have joined forces to develop real-time flue gas sensor technology to measure black carbon emissions from ships. (Ship Energy: click here)

The Case for Nuclear Cargo Ships

They failed decades ago, but small modular reactors could make all the difference. (IEEE Spectrum: click here)

Canadian project to develop marine-based nuclear reactors moves ahead

Canada’s Prodigy Clean Energy is teaming up with Westinghouse Electric Company to develop nuclear power plants that can be used both at sea and on land. (Splash247: click here)

 DECARBONISATION

China sets out strategy to dominate green shipbuilding

Chinese government-led race to lead the green shipbuilding boom aligns with Beijing’s strategic support of sectors. (Lloyds List: click here)

Rio Tinto to drive development of Australia’s largest solar farm at Gladstone

Rio Tinto will drive development of Australia’s largest solar power project near Gladstone, after agreeing to buy all electricity from the 1.1GW Upper Calliope Solar Farm to provide renewable power to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone operations. (Green car congress: click here)

Clarksons: 45% of newbuilds ordered in 2023 alternative fuel capable

Shipbroker Clarksons reports 45% of newbuildings ordered last year are capable of running on alternative fuels. (Riviera news: click here)

Poseidon Principles: Annual Disclosure Report 2023

The Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance, an initiative backed by the Global Maritime Forum to drive decarbonisation of international shipping through transparency, has issued its second annual disclosure report. (Poseidon Principles: click here)