Page 17 - European Energy Innovation - autumn 2019 publication
P. 17
Autumn 2019 European Energy Innovation 17
SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING
of low sulphur distillates and fuel the question remains as to why early feasibility. Conversely, increases in
oil, the so-called Low Sulphur Heavy worldwide adaptation plans and refining capacity over the past decade
Fuel Oil (LSHF). Nobody really knows investment in refining techniques have slowly decreased the annual
if blended fuels will work properly, have not been implemented – there global availability of HFO, which could
or if they might ruin engines: a lot of might as a consequence be local or in turn lead to insufficient availability
testing and training is still required, regional differences in availability, for a huge fleet of ships equipped
especially since different engine even though experts suggest that with scrubbers. Such a situation
sizes, ages and types of use mean there will be enough compliant fuel would cause massive economic
that only heavy duty-only operation for all. disadvantages among those who
will prove their suitability. There is install scrubbers. Currently less
an argument for opting out of the Scrubbed away by reality? than five per cent of the global
risk altogether, as it is not yet fully Scrubber technology removes fleet of 100,000 ships is equipped
known whether the fuel supplier or sulphur from the exhaust from the with scrubbers. This technology
the shipping company will ultimately combustion of regular heavy fuel might therefore be thought of as a
be responsible for any consequent oil, and is therefore an option for niche product.
damage. Fear of a shortage of a compliance with the 2020 Global
compliant fuel is creeping down the Sulphur Cap. Could a major increase New emission control areas at
aisles of some headquarters, but an in scrubber installations reduce or the horizon
estimated 600 refineries globally are absorb the potential effects of fuel The designation of new emission
most probably capable of producing shortages? They might have taken control areas with a maximum
either a compliant distillate fuel or some pressure out of the market, but sulphur limit of 0.1 percent is
LSHF-blends in sufficient quantities after a steep growth in installations currently being prepared by China
and, hopefully, quality. Nevertheless, (especially in 2018), there now seems and Mexico for their waters, and by
to be limited interest among ship France for the Mediterranean Sea.
owners. One reason appears to be It remains to be seen if and when
the unpredictable impacts upon nitrogen oxides are also addressed.
the marine environment of open A further consideration is that HFO is
loop scrubbers, which drain a toxic not usually compatible with the use
mixture of sulphur, heavy metals and of new selective catalytic reduction
particles into open water. Scientists, systems (SCR). Furthermore, NOx-
producers, NGOs and authorities reduction will become mandatory
are debating the short- and long- for new-built ships in the North and
term consequences of this, while Baltic seas from 2022, which will
various studies commissioned by most probably decrease further the
the IMO, national maritime authorities production of HFO, so making the
in several states, NGOs, as well installation of scrubbers even less
as the scrubber producers have interesting for shipping companies.
together indicated wide availability of
adequate discharge facilities for close Future Fuels
loop or hybrid scrubber systems in Some major companies consider LNG
many ports throughout the world. (liquefied natural gas) as a bridge fuel.
Ship owners currently seem to be Container shipping company MSC
hesitating because of uncertainty has already ordered eight large ocean
over where and how the final political going vessels (OGV) ready for dual
decisions are to be made, and what fuel, and Hapag Lloyd has recently
regulatory framework might be retrofitted one of its larger ship as
implemented. Indeed, ports or nation an experiment. More might follow.
states, the EU, or even the IMO might Some cruise companies such as
even ban scrubbers altogether. Just AIDA, Costa, MSC and others already
recently, China announced that it is to have LNG-ships in operation or are
ban the use of open loop scrubbers awaiting delivery from shipyards.
within its 12 mile zone (DECA) from More than 30 will be sailing by 2025.
2020 onwards. Additional energy
demand and operation supervision However, the overall climate impacts
might also affect the economics of LNG are difficult to assess because
of scrubbers and so their business of the methane emissions that arise
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