EMSA commissions studies on alternative fuels and technologies

Written by Nick Blenkey
EMSA flag

A series of studies commissioned by the European Maritime Safety Agency aims to provide decision makers and stakeholders with an updated and thorough overview of the potential of different sources of power for ships, including a review of the risks associated with their use, an analysis of the regulatory gaps, as well as an economic appraisal of the costs for retrofitting existing ships or building new ones.

EMSA has awarded the contract for studies to a consortium led by ABS, along with CE Delft and Arcsilea.

ABS says the four-year project will study key aspects of the decarbonization of shipping, including biofuels, ammonia, hydrogen, wind-assisted propulsion, air lubrication and other promising technologies.

“This will be a monumental study that will provide an unprecedented degree of guidance and clarity with regards to the maritime application of alternative fuels and energy-saving devices,” said Georgios Plevrakis, ABS Director, Global Sustainability. “ABS understands that no one company has the solution to shipping’s decarbonization challenge and only by working together will the industry meet our sustainability ambitions. That is why we are engaged in projects all over the world with leading industry players to develop practical solutions and support their safe adoption by the industry. We are proud to work with CE Delft and Arcsilea in this important series of studies.”

“It is important for regulators and shipping companies alike to understand the sustainability, availability and economics of the emerging fuel options. CE Delft is proud to contribute to these comprehensive studies,” said Anouk van Grinsven, CE Delft Director, Sustainable Transport Fuels.

“The alternative fuel and propulsion landscape is changing rapidly, and Arcsilea is pleased to be able to contribute to ensuring that the regulatory framework keeps pace with developments,” said Arcsilea founder Edwin Pang.

The studies will analyze the industry’s use of each fuel or power technology, including availability, life-cycle emission characteristics and economic aspects. Project partners will also review the current regulatory framework, identify any gaps and include safety assessments for the application of each fuel and power source to cargo as well as passenger vessels.

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