Industry News
ICOMIA outlines technologies to reduce recreational boating emissions
The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) has released research outlining a portfolio of technologies best positioned to contribute to the decarbonization of the industry.
The research report, Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry, specifically looks at marine propulsion in boats under 24m in length. According to the organization, recreational boats account for less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically 0.7% of transportation carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the USA and 0.4% of transportation CO2 emissions in Europe.
For context, 46% of emissions are generated by powering homes and industry and 14% of emissions are generated by global transportation.
Cranfield University develops “wave-devouring” propulsion concept
Academics from Cranfield University have received funding as part of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) from the Department for Transport to develop a new form of wave-devouring propulsion (WDP) that could power ships and help to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry.
The wave energy propulsion concept is being designed to achieve a greater thrust from the power of the waves by harnessing a vessel’s submerged flapping foils in a new way. Taking inspiration from the power of a whale’s fins, the team studied the structure and movement of the tail fin to unravel how it effectively uses wave energy for propulsion.
Capital, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and Lloyd’s Register to collaborate on two low-pressure ammonia-ready LCO2 carriers
Capital Gas Ship Management (Capital), Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HD HMD) and Lloyd’s Register (LR) will work together on the construction of two 22,000m3 low-pressure LCO2 carriers, with the capability to carry liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia (NH3) with ammonia dual fuel readiness. These vessels are to be delivered in 2025 and 2026.
The new carriers will be developed for Capital’s gas carrier fleet and when built will transport liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) under pressure. The 22,000m3 design will enable CO2 from the carbon capture and storage (CCS) process to be transported to storage facilities in larger quantities for sequestration or further usage.
ABB to power electric Spanish navy submarine rescue vessel
ABB has secured an order with Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company Navantia to supply the Spanish Navy’s forthcoming submarine rescue vessel, Poseidon, with DC-based power and distribution.
Following the delivery scheduled for 2026, the vessel will reportedly be the first of its kind equipped with this system. The ship will be responsible for executing and supporting submarine missions, including diving operations, intervention and rescue in accidents and shipwrecks and underwater surveillance, including protection of cultural heritage.
Comprising ABB Onboard DC Grid, transformers, alternators, battery system and ABB’s PEMS power and energy management system, ABB’s scope of supply will enable Poseidon to meet the Spanish Navy’s requirements for dynamic positioning and strict position-keeping capability as well as systems reliability and redundancy.
Wärtsilä to build first zero-emission high-speed ferries in the USA
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a partnership agreement to provide its fleet electrification and systems integrator services for a project to build what is reportedly the first zero-emission high-speed ferries in the USA.
The fully electric vessels will be built for San Francisco’s Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), the operator of the San Francisco Bay Ferry system. The project, and several others Wärtsilä will work on under this partnership, are a part of the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a phased decarbonization of the high-speed, high-capacity ferry service in the San Francisco Bay. Wärtsilä will work within the WETA project team to finalize vessel and charging system concepts.
Second Finnlines freight-passenger vessel to enter operation in 2024
Finnlines’ second freight-passenger vessel will enter operation in early 2024 connecting Finland, Åland Islands and Sweden on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route.
The new ro-pax vessels are part of Finnlines’ €500m (US$547m) investment program. The first vessel entered service on September 15, 2023, and the second will enter service in early 2024.
Finnlines reports strong growth of passengers traveling on its Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route during the two months that have passed since the new Superstar ro-pax vessel Finnsirius was introduced on the route. The new Superstar service concept offers upgraded services on the route for both cargo customers and passengers.
Yanmar delivers maritime hydrogen fuel cell system to hybrid passenger ship
Yanmar Power Technology (PT) has made its first delivery of its newly commercialized maritime hydrogen fuel cell system. This system was supplied to the passenger ship Hanaria, operated by Motena-Sea.
The Hanaria is Japan’s first hybrid passenger ship to use both hydrogen and biodiesel. This vessel operates with an onboard electric propulsion system that powers the ship’s drive using generated electricity. Yanmar PT took charge of the ship’s power system design, incorporating two hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, biodiesel generators, power management system, propulsion equipment, remote monitoring and other elements.
In addition, when running solely on the hydrogen fuel cell system and batteries, the ship produces zero emissions, with notable reductions in power source vibrations and noise, and the elimination of exhaust gas odors, contributing towards a pleasant onboard environment.
Program announced for ninth UK Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group conference
The UK Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group has announced the program for its ninth conference, entitled MASSive Developments, which will take place on January 16 and 17, 2024.
MASSive (Maritime Autonomous Ship Systems) Developments will be a virtual conference produced and directed by UKi Media & Events, the organizers of Autonomous Ship Expo and Conference and Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo.
There will be a keynote speaker each day and presentations that will focus on the following topics: UK maritime policy; the changing challenges for cyber risk management in autonomous operations; the infrastructure challenge for maritime autonomy; standards; data-driven decision making; US update; metocean impacts on future maritime operations’; CAA approach to autonomy; cross domain safety assurance framework for automated transport systems; defense road to Level 4 autonomy; MASS in international trade; autonomous short sea and inland waterway operations; insurance risks associated with autonomous vessels; MASS People – charting artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to coexist with human competences; and intelligent AI decision support for autonomy.