"Magic pipe" cases continue in US - so do severe fines and banning of vessels - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Posted - Wednesday, 30 June 2010 - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Cases involving crew maintaining false oil record books concealing deliberate discharges of oil-contaminated waste directly into the ocean continue to take place on a regular basis in the United States. In a recent case taking place in the Port of Corpus Christi, according to a news release from the US Coast Guard (USCG), a Norwegian-flagged tanker was recently banned from US ports for three years due to several marine environmental-related violations, including inconsistencies in the vessel's oil record book, inoperable oily water separator equipment, oily sludge in the vessel’s overboard discharge piping and a hose used to bypass the oily water separator with flanges containing oil inside.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, the USCG has the authority to deny a tank vessel entry into a US port for several reasons, including if it illegally discharges oil or hazardous material. Accordingly, the vessel’s certificate of compliance was revoked and the vessel banned from returning to Corpus Christi for a period of three years. The owner of the vessel was furthermore informed that the USCG intended to extend the ban to all US ports for a period of three years. If the vessel develops and successfully implements an environmental compliance programme to the satisfaction of the USCG, she may attempt to enter a US port after one year, but the conditions will stay in place for the full three years....
Complete Story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108441&Itemid=95

Zero-emissions fuel cell installed on vessel - Baird Maritime

Posted - June 25, 2010 Baird Maritime

Energy technology provider, Wärtsilä, has installed a WFC20 fuel cell unit that produces close to zero emissions on a ship in what is the first of its kind in the world. The unit, installed on the ‘Undine’, a car carrier owned by Swedish Wallenius Lines, will provide auxiliary power to the vessel during its test period.
The 'Undine', now fitted with Wärtsilä's WFC20 fuel cell unit, sails through Sydney Harbor.

The fuel cell unit, which has a nominal output of 20kW, is based on planar solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC) and fueled with methanol. Methanol is particularly suited for fueling the WFC20 since it can be easily reformed to a composition suitable for the unit. Methanol can be produced from natural gas, or from renewable raw materials.

Installation of the WFC20 fuel cell unit on-board the ‘Undine’ is the result of a joint project including Wärtsilä, Wallenius Marine, Lloyd’s Register, Det Norske Veritas and the University of Genoa. The project has been funded with 1 million Euros (US$1.23 million) from the European Union.

The ‘Undine’, with the Wärtsilä FC20 unit installed, sailed from the German port of Bremerhaven in May. From there it has headed for the USA, via Sweden and the UK.

http://www.bairdmaritime.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7018:zero-emissions-fuel-cell-installed-on-vessel-&catid=77&Itemid=74

Royal Caribbean, Ecospec Test Emission Abatement System - Marinelink.com

Posted - June 18, 2010 - Marinelink.com

Furthering Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas footprint by one-third per available passenger cruise day by 2015, the global cruise line announced that it is partnering with Ecospec to install a pilot test of their CSNOx system on Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas.
The CSNOx system was introduced by Ecospec in January 2009, and is an abatement technology reported to remove sulfur dioxide (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from engine emissions in one process. Royal Caribbean is the first cruise operator to initiate a feasibility study with Ecospec to explore the potential for installation of CSNOx systems on a cruise ship.
"Every day, we are actively researching methodologies and technologies that will reduce our emissions of not only SOx and NOx, but also CO2 as part of our comprehensive strategy to reduce our environmental impact," said Jamie Sweeting, global chief environmental officer and vice president of environmental stewardship for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "Our guiding principle of Above and Beyond Compliance, which is ingrained in our operating philosophy, challenges us to rise above what is required by law. We are optimistic that the CSNOx system will help us to meet our goal."
Previously, the CSNOx technology was installed and tested on White Sea, a Tanker Pacific vessel in 2009. The results of this test, published by Ecospec in February 2010, revealed an impressive 99 percent reduction of SOx, 66 percent reduction of NOx, and a 77 percent reduction of CO2. Additionally, wash water test results also surpassed the International Maritime Organization's exhaust gas cleaning discharge criteria. The Royal Caribbean pilot test is expected to be complete by the spring of 2011.

http://www.marinelink.com/news/caribbean-abatement334617.aspx

Chennai or Ennore port may go for carbon footprinting - The Hindu

Posted - June 20, 2010 - The Hindu

Soon, either Chennai or Ennore port may go for carbon footprinting as a pilot project. It is planned to determine Green House Gas (GHG) emission sources, track emission trends and generate information needed to take steps for reduction.
The Mercantile Marine Department of the Ministry of Shipping and Energi Services, a carbon footprint consulting company, organised a seminar on Saturday to impart understanding on the concept of carbon footprint of ports and ships, international regulations and work out reduction strategies.
“The idea is to prepare the country's shipping industry to adapt itself to the regulations of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in future,” said R. Kannan, Chief Consultant, Energi Services. The shipping industry could gain from the Maritime Emissions Trading Scheme, a system for CO2 emissions trading in international shipping, and International Compensation Fund for GHG emissions from ships, he says.
The International Association of Ports and Harbours has formed a consortium called World Port Climate Initiative as the CO2 emissions of world fleet of merchant vessels could climb to 6 per cent in 2020 from 2.7 per cent in 2009 if actions are not taken.
“A carbon footprint of the port will reveal the amount of GHG emissions directly and indirectly released over a measured period providing valuable information on emission reduction strategies. There is a need to evolve strategies on GHG emission reduction on a localised basis,” Mr. Kannan said.
At the seminar, delegates representing all types of businesses related to shipping and logistics were informed of the increasing demand for carbon footprint or products and services and methods to identify carbon hotspots and where to focus carbon reduction strategies.

EU greenhouse gasses more than half way to target by 2020

Posted - Maritime & Energy.com -

The European Union's greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory report, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), shows that emissions have not only continued their downward trend in 2008, but have also picked up pace.

The EU-27's emissions stood 11.3 % below their 1990 levels, while EU-15 achieved a reduction of 6.9 % compared to Kyoto base-year levels.

The GHG inventory report shows that the EU is well on track to meet its emission reduction targets with domestic policy measures only. Our policies and tools seem to be working' said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA. 'Although we are expecting an even sharper decline in 2009, caused mainly by the recession, we need to ensure that the downward trend in emissions continues and that Europe boosts its climate investments, with the ultimate aim of achieving a more resource-efficient economy.'

The combination of high coal and carbon prices accompanied by a drop in natural gas prices in 2008 induced heat and electricity producers to replace more polluting coal by gas and as a result, reduce their GHG emissions. The use of biomass and other renewable sources (wind and hydroelectric power) has also increased significantly in 2008. The economic recession, which started during the second half of the year, also contributed to emission reductions from several sectors including the manufacturing and construction, and road transport sectors. Road transport emissions were also affected by high oil prices, the continued decline in gasoline consumption and a reversal of the upward trend in diesel sales....

Complete Story at: http://www.maritimeandenergy.com/sider/tekst.asp?side=6880

Green recycling contract takes shape

Posted 17.06.10 BIMCO - Press Release

BIMCO’s draft RECYCLECON ship recycling contract for the disposal of ships in an environmentally sound manner is now beginning to take shape. At a meeting in London on 9 June, a specialist Sub-committee of ship recycling experts put together the core clauses that will form the bedrock of the new contract. The RECYCLECON form will retain the trademark BIMCO box layout part 1, although this will be a shortened version containing a simple summary of the contract’s key variable information. An annex to the contract will contain a detailed standard questionnaire for the vessel description, mirroring current practice in the trade.

The contract is aimed at encouraging owners to recycle their vessels in a safe and environmentally sound manner that excludes beaching of the vessel. The contract will function in the interim period before the IMO Convention on ship recycling comes into force as well as after the Convention becomes binding. As such, RECYCLECON will follow all appropriate guidelines, such as those issued by IMO on recycling. In the absence of legally binding requirements, the contract will provide users with a template for the correct way to recycle a ship in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Complete Press Release at - https://www.bimco.org/en/Members/News/General_News/2010/06/17_Green_recycling_contract_takes_shape.aspx

DNV Research and Innovation takes lead on ship carbon capture - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Posted - Tuesday, 08 June 2010 - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Established in 2008 and being in strategic cooperation with the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), DNV Research & Innovation Greece works to provide solutions to enable Greek shipowners’ access to innovative green technologies and quality decision support tools In 2009, DNV partnered with Process Systems Enterprise Ltd, one of the world's foremost providers of process modeling technology, to initiate the Maritime CCS (Carbon Capture & Storage) project. The project has received support and funding from the EU, the UK’s Technology Strategy Board and the Norwegian Research Council under the Eureka-Eurostars’ instrument, established to encourage international collaborative research and development projects.
According to Nikolaos Kakalis, Head of DNV Research & Innovation Greece, the Maritime CCS project develops an onboard process for chemical capture and temporary storage of CO2 emissions for ships in transit until discharge into transmission and storage infrastructures at the next suitable port.
“Carbon capture at sea is a completely new concept, with no current end-to-end solution available” he says. “Our challenge is to manage issues relating to the unique marine environment, limited space onboard, constant movement, energy efficiency, and strict safety and environmental requirements. The solution must not only manage these issues, but should be relatively easy to install, operate and maintain”.
Complete Story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105008&Itemid=95

Solar Power 'Sets Sail' in Shanghai - MarketWatch.com

Posted - June 5, 2010 - MarketWatch.com

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. the world's largest producer of crystalline silicon solar panels, today launched the Suntech-Guosheng solar sailor on the Huangpu River in Shanghai. The innovative 31.5 meter solar-powered passenger vessel features proprietary 'solarsail' technology developed by Australia-based Solar Sailor, a leading innovator in maritime solar technology. The eco-friendly vessel will cruise the Huangpu River for the Shanghai World Expo, inspiring visitors to embrace the event's theme of "Better City, Better Life."
At the launch ceremony, attended by the Communist Party of China Central Committee Party Secretary of Shanghai, Mr. Zhengsheng Yu, Suntech also announced it has designated Shanghai as another location for the expansion of its high performance crystalline silicon manufacturing technology.
"To meet the soaring global demand for Suntech's solar products, we plan to add 1,000MW of crystalline silicon cell and module production capacity at our Shanghai facility within the next three years," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Founder, Chairman, and CEO. "Today, there is no question that solar power has officially set sail in Shanghai."
The Suntech-Guosheng is one of several Shanghai Expo attractions to feature advanced solar technology, as both the China Pavilion and Theme Pavilion are also powered by Suntech's industry-leading solar products. The operator of the Suntech-Guosheng is the Shanghai Guosheng Group, an investment firm owned by the Shanghai government and co-developer of the Expo's Corporate Pavilion.
Complete Story at:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/solar-power-sets-sail-in-shanghai-2010-06-05?reflink=MW_news_stmp

EU flies past mid way point in race to deliver 20 per cent carbon cuts - BusinessGreen

Posted - Jessica Shankleman, BusinessGreen, 04 Jun 2010

Report shows EU has already cut carbon emissions by 11 per cent since 1990

The European Union has already passed the half way mark on the way to meeting its goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 per cent oin 1990 levels by 2020, according to a new EU report issued this week.
The Greenhouse gas 1990 – 2008 and inventory report 2010 from the European Environment Agency (EEA) states that total emissions from the EU's 27 member states stood 11.3 per cent below their 1990 levels at the end of 2008, while the 15 most recent EU member states delivered cuts of 6.9 per cent.
"The GHG inventory report shows that the EU is well on track to meet its emission reduction targets with domestic policy measures only," said EEA executive director Jacqueline McGlade. "Our policies and tools seem to be working."
The report admitted that the recession was a major driver of the emission reductions delivered in 2008, contributing to a first-time fall in emissions from international aviation and maritime transport since 1992...
Complete Story at:
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2264174/eu-passes-mid-way-point-ghg

Ships 'major source' of fumes James Bay association wants vessels to use cleaner fuels - Times Colonist

Posted By Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist June 3, 2010

Cruise ships coming into Victoria should be required to use cleaner fuels, says the James Bay Neighborhood Association. The group also wants the city to consider staggering ship visits to improve air quality.
"The major source of sulfur-dioxide fumes in Victoria [is] the cruise ships," said chairman Tim Van Alstine. "That's not to say let's throw the baby out with the bathwater but if there's anything you can do to mitigate [you should]."
Results of air-quality research and dispersion modeling by the Vancouver Island Health Authority and province show 2009 sulfur dioxide levels at triple the values predicted, the association says.
From June through August, 24-hour sulfur-dioxide values exceeded World Health Organization maximum levels on almost a quarter of days when ships were in port. High levels of sulfur dioxide in the air can cause respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma.
Complete Article at:
Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/health/Ships+major+source+fumes/3106175/story.html#ixzz0ptTIYHwA

EcoloCap Solutions (OTC-BB: ECOS) M-Fuel Could Change the Shipping Industry Forever - The OTC Investor

Posted - By Justin · Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

EcoloCap Solutions’ (ECOS) M-Fuel could make big waves in the billion dollar shipping industry, with its ability to dramatically lower costs and emissions for companies like DryShips Inc. (DRYS) and Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX).

By combining oil, water and a proprietary additive in a Nanomizer machine, Ecolocap Solutions’ (ECOS) produces a new fuel that costs 25% less. The company’s M-Fuel is an emulsion, a combination of oil, water and a proprietary additive, that reduces fuel use by 30%, particulate emission by 98%+, and gas emissions by 60% or more, while even cutting costs by 25%, all in unmodified diesel engines. when compared to traditional diesel and bunker fuel used in the shipping industry, and power generation. International and US patent's are being prepared for the process.

The relatively-unknown company has already shipped its first unit and is in discussions, world- wide, for various diesel applications to potential customers around the world. Meanwhile, widespread adoption could proceed rapidly as the fuel can be used in unmodified engines and emulsions fuels are already being used in Japan and Europe.
Complete Article at:
http://theotcinvestor.com/ecolocap-solutions-otc-bb-ecos-m-fuel-could-change-the-shipping-industry-forever-700/

LNG a key to cleaner shipping - DMV

Posted - DMV Risk Management

”Global shipping can reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 % the next 20 years through measures that are profitable for the shipping companies. The single most effective move is to introduce LNG as fuel,” said Executive Vice President Remi Eriksen of DNV at a shipping summit in Shanghai.

DNV has carried out a study of 59 ship segments representing the major ship-types and sizes of international shipping, identifying 25 different measures that can contribute to reduced emissions. Each of these segments have been modeled separately with regard to operational assumptions, the reduction potential of each measure, the cost of each measure and the year when available measures are phased in.
For 17 of the 59 vessel types and sizes it is cost-effective to install gas-fueled engines assuming a gas price equal to the price of marine diesel oil. The study, called “Pathway to Low Carbon Shipping” demonstrates that CO2 emissions by 2030 can be reduced by 30% below baseline through measures that save cost for the operators, and by almost 60% if all the identified measures are included.
“Many believe that gas is tomorrow’s fuel. We at DNV think it is already here. LNG as a fuel offers obvious environmental benefits,” said Remi Eriksen. “These benefits include nearly 100% reduction in SOX and particle emissions, 85-90% reduction in NOX emissions and 15-20% reduction in CO2 emissions.”
Complete Article at:
http://www.dnv.com/press_area/press_releases/2010/lngakeytocleanershipping.asp

BMT Group’s Del Redvers on greener shipping - GreenWise

Posted - June 1, 2010 - GreenWise - Del Redvers, head of Sustainability, BMT Group

Current estimates indicate that shipping’s share of global CO2 emissions could increase to 20-30 per cent by 2050. With 90 per cent of global trade carried by sea, this is an issue that cannot be sidestepped.
While the emissions debate is beneficial for all in terms of reducing the environmental impact, it is sometimes hard to see the plethora of solutions being proposed as anything other than a cost that the shipping industry must bear, with little financial benefit.
There are a number of measures that are currently being trialled or introduced more widely, however, that have the potential to achieve tangible commercial benefits and the win/win situation that will reduce costs and limit damage to the environment.
New technology to reduce fuel consumption through improvements in engine efficiency and reducing hull drag is one measure. Another is changes in operational procedures, such as optimizing vessel speed – or 'slow steaming’. Based on knowledge of environmental conditions, including wind, wave and current, the speed profile of the voyage can be tailored to ensure that the ship arrives at the destination just in time to be loaded or unloaded.
While this strategy could be extremely effective, there is the need for all parties in the logistics chain to understand the issues involved and ensure that there is suitable shore-based infrastructure to service ships as they arrive. 'Slow steaming’ certainly has its benefits, but there are downsides too. If we accept that slow steaming is here to stay, will we need extra ships to cater for trade growth? Should new ships be designed with slow steaming in mind in order to optimize their efficiency? These are complex questions that still need to be addressed.
Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan
The International Maritime Organization has established a mechanism for a company and/or a ship to improve the energy efficiency of a ship’s operation called the Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). At present it is mandatory for a ship to carry its SEEMP, but there is no requirement to comply with it. Many operators are already pursuing this initiative as market forces make it beneficial to do so, however, as the culture changes and the importance of energy efficiency becomes more widely accepted, the SEEMP will become an increasingly valuable tool.
Complete Article at:
http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/bmt-groups-del-redvers-on-greener-shipping-1475.aspx

TRANSAS DELIVERS ECO-DRIVING SIMULATOR TO RØRVIK SAFETY CENTER, NORWAY - The Maritime Executive Magazine

Posted - Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 The Maritime Executive Magazine

May 2010 – Norway. Transas has developed and delivered a new simulator for monitoring fuel consumption and emissions. The customer, Rörvik Safety Center (Norway) has designed a training concept called EcoShip which is supposed to change the mindset of officers and open their eyes to that part of the problem that they can do something about.
EcoShip is a range of courses under the auspices of the Rørvik Safety Center, whose innovative maritime environment simulator will be a useful tool and an important contribution to the maritime industry's ambitious environmental goal of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
Fuel consumption and emissions is a very hot topic right now, especially considering new MARPOL Convention amendments concerning transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers at sea for the prevention of marine pollution during some ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer operations. Meanwhile fuel saving has always been a large concern.
EcoShips objective
Course participants will acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to plan and carry out fuel economy runs of typical shuttle ferries / express boats in order to minimize emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants. Students should also understand the connection between fuel efficient driving and increased safety for ships, cargo and passengers - especially in maneuvers to and from shore.
Complete story at:
http://maritime-executive.com/pressrelease/latest-transas-marine-international-2010-06-01/

Carbon Trade - Shiptalk

Posted may 30, 2010 - Shiptalk

Shipowners are backing a global carbon trading scheme that could add as much as €6 billion (£5.4 billion) in extra cost on to maritime transport and push weaker shipping companies out of business.

The proposals, announced yesterday by Britain’s Chamber of Shipping, would seek to bring the global shipping industry into a carbon trading net. The initiative, also backed by the national shipping associations of Australia, Belgium, Norway and Sweden, is intended to raise standards and stimulate technological development in an industry that has been widely criticized for its sluggishness in dealing with atmospheric pollution.

The shipping industry has no choice but to address its carbon emissions, Jan Kopernicki, vice-president of the UK chamber, said, since shipping accounted for 3 per cent of the global carbon emissions from human activity. The extent to which the cost of reducing emissions would be passed on to customers would depend on the state of the shipping market. Many shipowners are in distress because of the collapse in world trade.
Complete story at:
http://www.shiptalk.com/?p=4678

American Club advises seafarers on environment protection - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Posted Thursday, 03 June 2010 - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

The American P&I Club has launched the first in a series of web-based e-learning modules designed to help seafarers protect the marine environment by familiarizing them with the six annexes to the MARPOL Convention Produced in co-operation with IDESS Interactive Technologies Inc based in the Philippines, the modules are focused on the practical application of the MARPOL Convention on-board ship. They can be used anywhere there is a connection to the internet, allowing seafarers to study them before joining their vessels.
According to the club, the system includes a secure online testing facility so that its members can track their seafarers’ knowledge and keep up-to-date records of familiarization training in compliance with both the STCW Convention and the company’s safety management system requirements under the ISM Code.
The series is divided into six installments corresponding to the six annexes of MARPOL 73/78, covering oil pollution, noxious liquid substances, noxious substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage and air pollution. The remaining installments covering Annexes ll, lll, lV, V and Vl will be available at a later stage.
William H. Moore, senior vice president of manager Shipowners Claims Bureau Inc in New York, said: “At a time when the Deepwater Horizon disaster is focusing world attention on pollution of the seas, we are introducing this Clean Seas: Complying with MARPOL 73/78 module which has been developed partly as a response to the pervasive concerns of the international community about protecting the marine environment. Although claims arising from environmental damage have reduced in frequency in recent years, the cost of individual claims has not diminished.
Complete story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=104222&Itemid=79

HHI develops eco-friendly gas engine - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Posted - Tuesday, 01 June 2010 HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

The new gas engine can be used for ship propulsion and power plants. The engine features ‘Lean Burn’ technology and is regarded as eco-friendly and highly efficient by reducing parts to make the engine lighter and therefore saving fuel. The new engine emits 20 percent less CO2 than diesel engines, reduces NOx emissions by 97 percent to reach a claimed "world’s lowest" level of 50ppm, and improves engine performance 47 percent.
After the final durability test, Hyundai Heavy plans to start full-scale production of the new engines from early next year.
Upon the completion of the newly developed gas engine, Hyundai Heavy will have full production capacity of 582kW to 10,142kW diesel and gas engines.
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103845&Itemid=79