Future Fuels in Shipping

Comparing future fuels in shipping

Using alternative fuels in marine transport can play a critical role in decarbonising the shipping sector and contributing towards climate change goals. The market for alternative fuels continues to develop through ship builders, engine manufacturers and classification societies under the guidance of MARPOL regulations (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) adopted by the International Marine Organisation (IMO).

One key consideration for marine alternative fuels is how current maritime legislation, largely shaped towards conventional fuel types, addresses the adoption of alternative fuels. For example, to meet NOx emission limits, an Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) Certificate under MARPOL is required when building a maritime diesel engine according to the NOx Technical code.  In the future EIAPP certificates will need to address emissions from combusting alternative fuels to ensure that the market can provide the necessary solutions to aid in the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.  The table below provides an overview of the major fuel options available within the marine sector. It considers the current advantages, disadvantages, emissions profile as well as where catalytic solutions exist in controlling and reducing these emissions.

About IACCSEA

Since its formation in 2011, IACCSEA has had a primary focus of demonstrating the technological and economic viability of catalytic technology for reducing emissions from shipping.

We do this by:

• Sharing objective and factual technical information

We leverage our collective industry expertise and networks to gather and disseminate objective and factual technical information on marine catalytic emission control technologies (including costs and benefits) and promote awareness of this technology, including latest developments.

• Contributing to industry groups and forums, and regulatory discussions

We use our voice to primarily inform regulators and the shipping community that proposed regulations for reducing emissions from shipping can be met through commercially available catalytic after treatment technology.

• Working with others in the shipping community

We work closely with other stakeholders in the continued development and implementation of strategies that lead to cleaner shipping and raises awareness of the benefits of this technology among stakeholder groups and in the regulatory arena.

Danfoss IXA announcement

Allan Skouboe, Chief Technical Officer at Danfoss IXA

IACCSEA is pleased to welcome Danfoss IXA as a new member. With extensive experience in exhaust gas after treatment, Danfoss are positioned to play a key role in the ‘green wave’ of technological development.

On joining IACCSEA, Allan Skouboe, Chief Technical Officer at Danfoss IXA, stated “We are happy to join an organization which is focused on the use of SCR technology in the maritime business. Our state-of-the art NOx sensor is widely used across the industry in connection with SCR and the membership of IACCSEA help us to stay ahead on industry requirements and trends.”.

Speaking on behalf of IACCSEA Ilkka Saarinen said “We look forward to engaging with Allan and the team in the years to come. Monitoring emissions from ship engines will grow in importance as shipping embraces being cleaner and greener”.

About IACCSEA
Since its formation in 2011, the International Association for Catalytic Control of Ship Emissions to Air (IACCSEA) has focussed on demonstrating the technological and economic viability of on board Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce Ox emissions.  We work closely with other stakeholders in the continued development and implementation of strategies that lead to cleaner shipping and to improve awareness of the benefits of SCR technology.

#BeatAirPollution

June 5th marked the World Environment Day, which in 2019 focused on creating awareness on air pollution and encouraging action aimed at minimising its effects on people’s health and the environment. It is our mission at IACCSEA to be a catalyst for clean shipping, and in the spirit of the day we would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone about the effects of nitrogen oxide (NOx). Formed in the heat of the marine engine, NOx is a dangerous, acidic pollutant that can be transported over many hundreds of miles and deposited as acid rain. It promotes the formation of ground level ozone, detrimental to human health and is known to exacerbate heart and lung complaints. NOx acidifies its environment and damages plant life in the sea and on land.

There are ways, however, to neutralise the NOx in the exhaust of the marine engine. Selective Catalytic Reduction technologies are a simple, cost-effective and proven NOx reduction solution capable of achieving the emission limits set by the International Maritime Organisation, and in many cases up to 99% reduction of NOx emissions.

If you would like to learn more, please do get in touch with us at secretary@iaccsea.com.

For more information on International Environment Day: https://www.un.org/en/events/environmentday/

IACCSEA welcomes the IMO GHG emissions reduction strategy