Since coming under increasing pressure to decarbonize, by both its international regulator and its climate-conscious customers, the international shipping industry has started seriously considering, and making investments in, technology that enables the exploitation of clean and free renewable wind energy.
However, for any vessel using several power sources, optimization of how they are combined will be crucial. To maintain the optimal speed or power and minimize energy wastage the complete integration between existing conventional and wind-assisted propulsion system is required in order to avoid the addition of excessive propulsion power.
In 2018, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted an initial strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, setting out a vision which confirms their commitment to reducing harmful emissions from international shipping and to phasing them out as soon as possible.
More recently, IMO has forged ahead with the development of new short-term measures: the attained and required Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and the annual operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and CII rating. In response, ship owners and operators have started to evaluate their existing fleet and seek out short- to mid-term solutions that decrease carbon intensity and emissions.
Advanced clean technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion solutions as well as fuel saving technologies, including propulsion automation systems, are already available. These technologies can support the global shipping fleet to accelerate rapid emission reductions.
To address optimizing wind-assisted propulsion through automation, Lean Marine and Smart Green Shipping will host a virtual industry seminar on March 23. Discussions will focus on real-industry applications and technologies in addition to exploring the building of a ‘real’ hybrid solution between wind-assisted technology and the existing propulsion system.
Three speakers dedicated to getting the shipping industry to zero carbon operations will provide their expert views and participate in an interactive panel discussion: Florent Violain, President of Association Wind-Ship in France, Diane Gilpin, Founder and CEO of Smart Green Shipping and Sarah Zitouni, Regional Sales Manager at Lean Marine. The virtual seminar will be moderated by the Secretary General of the International Windship Association, Gavin Allwright…
