The road to zero emissions
Decarbonization in shipping is as pressing a topic in China as anywhere else, says Allan: “Shipbuilding is a global business – 80% of the ships built in China are for export to other countries. So the pollution and emissions standards and levels that apply to other countries are equally applicable to our local industry, namely those set out by the IMO. For local shipping companies, there is a broader choice of priorities. However, the largest fleets, like Cosco Shipping or China Merchant Shipping, need to publish figures in their ESG reports and are subject to public scrutiny.”
Allan says that, in some ways, every shipowner is seeking to reduce emissions. “They have been investigating possibilities for more efficient engine designs and other technologies beyond engines like air lubrication or wind sails for years. The newest stage is moving towards new, less carbon or carbon-free fuels, and creating the supply chain to ensure those fuels are available at the docks. The largest fleets have already ordered new ships based on methanol, and others are experimenting with biofuels. The supply chain required to service these new-generation ships is well underway, with already planned capacity of producing 7.5 million tonnes per year of green methanol in China.”
Chinese ship operators are also hungry to reap the benefits of digitalization, with leading fleets investing very heavily in the area. “We have worked to make our own digital offering, Tekomar XPERT, compliant with local data regulations and are already offering it on a pilot basis for several ship operators.”
Compared to the USA and Europe, China has an unusual large reliance on river shipping. “Inland shipping accounts for 9% of all cargo movement in the country. And where it is possible, it is very much preferable to move goods by ship: it is by far cheaper than rail or road transport, by a factor of 2-6 times. This has heavily industrialized river areas, of course, so standards for emissions and pollution will become even more stringent than those applied to international ocean shipping in the future.”
“The engines also need to be highly adaptable, moving from upstream to downstream sailing, for example, which offers very different conditions. The engines are working at relatively low load most of the time, and the ships operate two propellors, rather than one, as is typical for sea-going ships. So, the engine and the turbochargers must be heavily optimised for efficiency in these conditions. But Accelleron is very much committed to serving the needs of this local segment.”
Going to Marintec? Be sure to meet up Allan and his team at stand N1E4A