First Global Maritime Environmental Congress - Ship Building Industry

Posted - February 22, 2010 - Yellow & Finch Publishers - Ship Building Industry - Author Robin

The global maritime environmental congress (gmec) is the first inter-industry, international conference on maritime environmental protection. The conference will be held at CCH-Congress Center Hamburg on 7 and 8 September 2010 - on the occasion of SMM, the world’s premier shipbuilding trade fair. In the future, gmec is to take place every two years.
The gmec provides a platform for representatives of IMO, the European Commission, governments, port industries, shipping and the shipbuilding industry to discuss what has been achieved and to set targets for 2020. These may determine the course for the environmental future of the global maritime industry... 

http://www.shipbuilding-industry.eu/shipbuilding_v2/?p=1357

IMO Seeks Emission Cuts for Emerging-Nation Ships (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

Posted - February 25, 2010, 12:46 PM EST - Bloomberg.com - By Mathew Carr and Alaric Nightingale

Emissions from shipping would fall about 20 percent as early as 2012 under proposed rules for 169 nations, the secretary general of the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization said.

New rules for vessels from rich and emerging nations would probably require owners to adopt so-called slow steaming to cut fuel consumption, said Efthimios Mitropoulos, head of the UN shipping agency known as IMO. For new ships, technical measures including new hull designs for improved propulsion would reduce emissions an additional 15 percent, he said....

 

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-02-25/imo-seeks-emission-cuts-for-emerging-nation-ships-update1-.html

Environment-friendly air bubbles experiments on air-lubrication system to begin - Maritime Information Center

Posted - Wednesday, 24 February 2010 09:39 - Maritime Information Center

NYK and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. are to begin experiments on an air-lubrication system to reduce CO2 emissions during marine transport.
Jointly developed by the two companies, the system effectively reduces the frictional resistance between a vessel’s bottom and the seawater by means of bubbles generated by supplying air to the vessel’s bottom. The world's first permanent installation of the system using an air-blower is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10 percent. The experiments will be conducted using module carriers* operated by an NYK Group company, NYK-Hinode Line, Ltd. Construction of the vessels will be completed on March 31 and in late November 2010.... 

http://www.micportal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3359:environment-friendly-air-bubbles-experiments-on-air-lubrication-system-to-begin&catid=19:vessels-equipment&Itemid=30

New Institute to Target Dirty Marine Diesel - The X-Journals

Posted - February 19, 2010

A Hong Kong shipping executive has pledged up to $4.1 million to fund a research program at the University of Southern California to reduce emissions and improve combustion efficiency in   engines.

Kenneth Koo of Tai Chong Cheang Steamship Co. (H.K.) Ltd (TCCHK) says collaboration between industry and academia is needed to substantially reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants emitted by conventional large bore two-stroke single-acting marine diesel engines used by the world’s merchant shipping fleets.

“The best way to initiate change is to partner with an institution of higher learning,” says Koo, TCCHK’s group chairman and CEO. “Let’s come up with the designs that work and bang on the maritime walls of industry.”...


http://x-journals.com/2010/new-institute-to-target-dirty-marine-diesel/

Maersk steams slow to cut emissions - Carbon Positive

Posted - Friday, 19 February 2010

International shipping giant Maersk has lopped up to 30 per cent off fuel consumption and carbon emissions by halving the cruising speed of many on its container ships and bulk carriers over the past two years. In an initiative that was initially prompted by skyrocketing oil prices in mid-2008, it’s fleet speed reduction programe is significant amid international moves to regulate emissions in the maritime sector.

Shipping is estimated to account for 3.3 per cent of global human-related greenhouse gas emissions, a share that is growing as world trade expands and other carbon-intensive sectors begin to rein in emissions growth.

Up to now, the industry had strives to operate ever faster for quicker delivery in a competitive market. But now shipping companies are finding that “slow steaming”  can be more profitable given lower fuel costs – and making them more competitive. Cruising speeds of up to 25 knots are being pared back to 20 knots, or even as low as 12 knots in some cases at Maersk. 

http://www.carbonpositive.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=1899

Global vessel efficiency system proposed - .shippingindustry.com.au

Posted -by Editor on 19 February 2010

THE World Shipping Council and its members have proposed for a Vessel Efficiency System (VES) to improve the carbon and fuel efficiency of the world’s fleets.
The proposal has been made to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its member governments in an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by shipping vessels around the world.
The proposal is for the IMO to apply vessel efficiency design standards for both new and existing vessels in the world’s fleet. Newly built vessels would be subject to mandatory efficiency standards requiring new ships to be built with energy efficient features and technologies....


http://www.shippingindustry.com.au/Content/articles/Global-vessel-efficiency-system-proposed.aspx

DNV: Launching of SuperGreen - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Posted - Thursday, 18 February 2010- HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

DNV Research & Innovation Greece, together with more than 20 experts in the field of transport and logistics convened in Athens on February 2nd and 3rd , 2010 to launch the project “Supporting EU’s Freight Transport Logistics Action Plan on Green Corridors Issues,” (short title SuperGreen). SuperGreen is a Coordination and Support Action, co-funded by the European Commission in the context of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, and coordinated by the National Technical University of Athens, Laboratory for Maritime Transport. The project involves 22 partners from 13 European countries. These include transport, logistics and infrastructure operators, shippers, environmental organisations and authorities responsible for social and spatial planning, consultants, academia and R&D such as :..


http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87805&Itemid=93

Shipping is significant source of greenhouse gas emissions - ITUCU

Posted - Written on February 17, 2010 at 3:02 pm ITUCU by paresh_singh86 


Many people mostly connect greenhouse gases with power plants and cars, but these two greenhouse gas sources, though most significant ones are not the only ones that cause global warming and climate change. One of the greenhouse gas sources that is often neglected is shipping. Shipping currently accounts for for 2.7% of global CO2 emissions, and according to some estimations, if current trend continues, shipping emissions could rise by between 150 and 250% by 2050.
The problem with shipping emissions is that they were not included in Kyoto protocol, and there is currently no country in the world that is obliged to reduce shipping emissions. For instance share of international aviation in total greenhouse gases is 1,9%, and aviation is about to be included be the EU emissions trading scheme from 2012, so it really makes no sense why shipping emissions that are 50 % bigger aren’t included...
 

http://churmura.com/general/shipping-is-significant-source-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions/30671/

US ports: Sustainable solutions are good business practices - Portworld

Posted - 11th February 2010 19:03 GMT - Portworls

Investing in sustainable solutions that protect our air and harbours are good business practices, according to Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani.
During the ports summit in San Diego this month Yoshitani was joined by US port directors and transportation secretary Ray LaHood to discuss the urgent need for investment in the transportation infrastructure to ensure safe, clean, and efficient port operations....


http://www.portworld.com/news/i91721/US_ports_Sustainable_solutions_are_good_business_practices

EU prepares for unilateral shipping action - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

 Posted - Tuesday, 16 February 2010 HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Plans for the EU to set greenhouse gas emission limits for ships using EU ports moved a step closer last month when the Commission published a new report looking at various ways of charging for maritime emissions. It concludes that emissions trading is the best and most feasible way of providing a financial incentive for reducing shipping's contribution to global warming. With shipping a global industry, the EU’s preferred option is still to find a way of tackling greenhouse gases through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). But with the IMO saying an agreement is likely to be several years away, the EU is pressing ahead with its commitment to introduce a system for EU ports if the IMO has no agreement in place by the end of next year...

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87455&Itemid=95

New low sulphur fuel requirements on ships at berth at EU ports pose cost challenges for ship owners - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

 Posted  - Tuesday, 16 February 2010- HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

The coming into force of the new EU Directive (from the 1st of January), which requires the use of maximum 0.1% sulphur content fuel on ships berthing at EU ports poses new challenges for ship owners, whose vessels aren’t properly equipped to run on those fuels. In an interview with Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide, Mr. Reisopoulos,  the Germanischer Lloyd's Vice President, Area Mediterranean/Southern Africa, details what measures each ship owner must undertake, in order to fully comply with the latest regulations....

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87461&Itemid=93

"ESC" Proposes Ways to Cut Emissions From EU Transport - RAM-PORTAL

Posted - Saturday - February 6 2010 - RAM_PORTAL

THE European Shippers' Council (ESC) has put forward to the European Parliament's Transport Committee 10 policy recommendations to reduce green house gas emissions produced by freight transport in Europe, in the form of an ESC Memorandum on Transport and Environment.

ESC chairman Dick van den Broek Humphrey noted that the environment is freight transport industry's number one challenge, by saying: "Industry will try to reduce waste to reduce costs, but some will move faster than others....

http://ram-xp.blogspot.com/2010/02/en-sea-esc-proposes-ways-to-cut.html

Analysis by Blank Rome LLC - EPA Finalizes Emissions Standards for Category 3 Marine Diesel Engines and Implements North American ECA

I found this and it offers a clear and concise overview of the EPA's -  Finial  Emissions Standards for Category 3 Marine Diesel Engines and Implements North American ECA - The link below take you to their site and document - Hope it is helpful.

http://going-public.com/siteFiles/Publications/F792A60FD1D0FF22BE94BD7002096F7C.pdf

Asia’s First Clear Nano-Emulsion Diesel Plant Opens in Singapore - Asia PRNews

Posted - Friday, February 5, 2010 12:34 GMT - Asia PR News

Singapore Emulsion Fuel Pte Ltd (SgEF), an innovative player in the green
energy space, today announced the opening of Asia’s first clear nano-emulsion
diesel plant. Located within Singapore’s Tuas industrial zone, the 40,000 sq.
ft. facility is poised to cater to the growing demand for clean energy
domestically and across the Asia-Pacific region.
SgEF’s goal is to be the leading global supplier of emulsion fuel and other
alternative biofuels. An investee company of SPRING SEEDS Capital, supported by
the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Building and Construction Agency
(BCA), SgEF was set up in 2006 to address the global dependence on fossil fuels
and to offer a viable alternative to existing biofuels....


http://asiaprnews.com/2010/02/05/asias-first-clear-nano-emulsion-diesel-plant-opens-in-singapore/

Environmental targets will 'define the future of shipping' - Sustainable Shipping

Posted - 4th February 2010 12:31 GMT - Sustainable Shipping - Nick Jameson


The shipping industry must take a lead in reducing emissions, despite the failure of the Copenhagen climate change talks, says SEAaT.
“How we meet our environmental targets will define the future of shipping and effect every facet of the industry,” said John Aitken, secretary general of the association.
SEAaT is a cross-industry body that promotes carbon trading as the best way to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions....

http://www.sustainableshipping.com/forum/blogs/Nick-Jameson/91555/Environmental-targets-will-define-the-future-of-shipping

Ships warned of tougher rules to combat pollution - Hellenic Shipping News World

Posted - Thursday - February 4, 2010 -  Hellenic Shipping News World

SHIPS and vessels arriving at Shanghai ports will be subject to tighter checks and face tougher fines if they break a revised national regulation on the prevention and control of marine pollution. Shanghai maritime supervisors will also be given more powers over marine pollution when the regulation comes into force by March.
They will be authorized to open containers on cargo ships to check goods they suspect are hazardous and have contamination risks.
Officials will be able to look at the goods without the presence of cargo owners.
"The clean and safe water environment is not only a key to the coming Expo but also a threshold to the city's efforts to build a shipping center," said Xu Guoyi, head of the Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration...


http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=85656&Itemid=79

SHI to make only eco-friendly ships 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions planned - Maritime Information Center (MIC)

 Posted - Wednesday, 03 February 2010 13:29 - MIC


On January 28, at its corporate headquarters in Seocho-dong, Seoul, Samsung Heavy Industries declared its new green management policies at a ceremony that was joined by more than 120 guests, including ship owners such as SK Shipping and Hanjin Shipping, and respected academics in the field of environmental issues. The Company unveiled its plan to build only eco-friendly ships from 2015, by achieving a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions....

http://www.micportal.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3245:shi-to-make-only-eco-friendly-ships-30-reduction-in-greenhouse-gas-emissions-planned&catid=23:shipbuilding-info&Itemid=36

GHG Emissions from Ships - Environment Matters - By Gernot Seebacher

Posted February 1, 2010 - Environment Matters - By Gernot Seebacher

There is considerable activity on the IMO-DOCS Website on coming regulations for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping.

IMO is looking at market-based measures to address GHG emissions from shipping for ships above 400 tons.

With a Maritime Emissions Trading System (METS) in place, GHG emissions could be calculated based on the bunker delivery notes. To accurately capture GHG costs for the company, emissions would need to be auctioned on a regular basis. e.g. for monthly reporting of GHG emissions, weekly carbon auctions would be required....

http://hermont-environmentmatters.blogspot.com/

PREVENTION OF AIR POLLUTION FROM SHIPS - INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

Written - January 15, 2010 - IMO - MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE

Executive Summary: Considering the outcome of the UNFCCC discussions in Copenhagen, as well as recent discussions at the IMO to address GHG emissions from marine shipping, this paper offers views on the question of establishing an emissions "cap" for maritime shipping.

http://www.worldshipping.org/industry-issues/environment/air-emissions/WSC_Emissions_Policy_Paper_to_IMO.pdf