Wed 16 May 2018 13:17

Renewable energy for shipping discussed in IMO debate


Decarbonized electricity and renewable electricity from hydropower covered at IMO 70 Forum.


Renewable energy and digitalisation were two key themes discussed at the IMO 70 Forum: 'Better Shipping. Better Future', which was held on May 15, 2018.
Image: International Maritime Organization(IMO)
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on Tuesday hosted a high-level, live-streamed debate on its role as a regulator in the future of shipping and international trade.

The debate on the future of the IMO was part of 70th anniversary events throughout this year; the initial IMO convention was adopted in 1948.

Panel moderator Richard Clayton, Chief Correspondent, Lloyd's List, said developments outside the shipping sector, particularly the renewable energy revolution and digitalisation, could have profound implications for shipping, and posed the question of how IMO regulations can keep pace with technological change.

Knut Orbeck Nilssen, chairman of IACS Council, and DNV GL's Maritime business area CEO, observed: "The maritime community is committed to finding solutions to reaching the ambitious IMO decarbonisation goal. Lots of research needs to be done."

Alan McKinnon, Professor of Logistics at Kuehne Logistics University and Emeritus Professor of Logistics at Heriot Watt University, posited that two themes could significantly change the business: a switch away from fossil fuels to alternative fuels, and 3D printing. "In light of recent developments, people are recalibrating their models, and additive manufacturing will have an effect in damping demand for seaborn freight.

"Electrification - maybe that's a black swan. Maybe by 2050 we will have found a way to include decarbonized electricity within the maritime sector. That would be transformational."

Peter Thomson, United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, spoke of his visit to the electric ferries in Norway, using renewable electricity from hydropower. This technology could benefit many African coastlines, he said.

"Lots of African countries have hydropower, and mainly coastal shipping," Thomson pointed out.

Diane Gilpin, Founder, Smart Green, Shipping Alliance, remarked: "Primary renewable energy is the key opportunity for shipping, and the way we implement that is collaboration. The IMO has shown it has the ability to bring disparate people together to reach groundbreaking agreements.

"We need to look at the enabling structures around green technology. We need to look at the financing structures used in renewable energy, and bring them over into the shipping industry."


Lease agreement between Inter Terminals Sweden and the Port of Gothenburg, signed on July 1st. Pictured: Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Port of Gothenburg (left) and Johan Zettergren, Managing Director of Inter Terminals Sweden (right). New Gothenburg lease an opportunity to expand green portfolio: Inter Terminals  

Bunker terminal operator eyes tank conversion and construction projects for renewable products.

Map of US Gulf. Peninsula extends US Gulf operation offshore  

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The M/T Jutlandia Swan, operated by Uni-Tankers. Uni-Tankers vessel gets wind-assisted propulsion  

Fourth tanker sails with VentoFoil units as manufacturer says suction wing technology is gaining traction.

Port of Gothenburg Energy Port. Swedish biomethane bunkered in Gothenburg  

Test delivery performed by St1 and St1 Biokraft, who aim to become large-scale suppliers.

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Petrobras logo. Petrobras confirms prompt availability of VLS B24 at Rio Grande  

Lead time for barge deliveries currently five days.

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Preemraff Göteborg, Preem's wholly owned refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. VARO Energy expands renewable portfolio with Preem acquisition  

All-cash transaction expected to complete in the latter half of 2025.

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Vessel is used to test biofuel for domestic utility company.

Pictured (from left): H-Line Shipping CEO Seo Myungdeuk and HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol at the contract signing ceremony for the construction of an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel. H-Line Shipping orders LNG bunkering vessel  

Vessel with 18,000-cbm capacity to run on both LNG and MDO.


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