What is the driver of this technology development?
The world is calling for net zero cargo transportation, and the major cargo owners are responding. Scope 3 emissions are becoming more relevant as the need for decarbonization comes into a much stronger focus. Society and environmental groups are demanding it. Meanwhile, technology providers and regulatory authorities like the IMO and the EU are moving towards stricter standards.
How do you help the industry on the decarbonization journey?
Accelleron is a member of the International Council of Combustion Engines, where we contribute as a thought leader by promoting different fuel pathways. When most members still had heavy fuel on their R&D agenda, we led the greenhouse gas strategy group within the council. We gave the members insights into alternative fuels like hydrogen, which requires further processing to form green methanol, green ammonia, or liquefied hydrogen. Ultimately, we bring different players to the table – environmental groups, legislators, financial institutions, ship owners, and cargo owners. We contribute to a broader industry discussion with varying viewpoints on decarbonization.
Can you point to a real-world example of the decarbonization journey?
One of the world’s biggest container vessel operator and owner decided to order a vessel that runs on methanol. During development, we supported the engine OEM with our expertise, turbochargers, and capabilities in our test centers. Accelleron provided an improved standard product and supported the OEM in building the machinery. The engine OEM successfully passed the factory acceptance test for this engine at the end of last year, which was a great success. And we at Accelleron are proud to contribute to this “industry first”.
How does servicing of medium and low speed turbochargers play a role in this journey?
Before the digital era, service was done based on strict time intervals as the real operation and exposure was unknown. Today, with increased connectivity, related access to data and digital tools, we are shaping our service offerings based on operational data. The resulting flexibility does not only support the customer’s operation but also helps us to optimize our processes leading potentially among others to a reduction of material and air freight costs, which reduces the CO2emissions produced by our company.
This interview was published as part of Accelleron’s Sustainability Report 2023. If you wish to learn more, read the report in full here: Sustainability Report (accelleron-industries.com)