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Environmental and economic issues are pushing many sectors to review their operating methods. Among them, the maritime sector, often pointed out for its high carbon emissions, faces a major challenge. The Finnish company Wärtsilä, known for its powerful engines, is embarking on an ambitious path towards total decarbonization by 2050. The CEO, Håkan Agnevall, presents a detailed plan to achieve this objective.
A carbon tax plan for the global maritime industry
Maritime shows represent a global problem that it is urgent to solve. For this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a plan that will establish a global carbon tax for the sector. This measure aims to encourage decarbonization through financial incentives. By ratifying this agreement, the maritime sector would become one of the first to introduce a global carbon tax, an important milestone for industry.
The regulations being modified, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships (Marpol), could impose increasingly strict standards of emissions and financial penalties for offenses. Low carbon operators could benefit from these penalties as awards, thus stimulating the research and development necessary to advance industry.
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Digital schedules optimization
Improved synchronization between the schedules of ships and ports could considerably reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Such synchronization would allow a potential reduction of 8 to 30 % of emissions, without mechanical modifications of ships. The Blue Visby Consortium project works on a global planning system that could provide promising results.
Currently, the lack of coordination of schedules leads to unnecessary fuel consumption, as ships often have to wait in crowded ports. Better planning could avoid these ineffectiveness and greatly contribute to the reduction of emissions.
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Carbon capture on board
Carbon capture at source is a promising solution to reduce emissions from existing ships. Wärtsilä has developed a device capable of capturing up to 70 % of carbon emissions. Although this process involves an energy penalty, it offers an effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of ships.
The CO2 capture cost is between 50 and 70 euros per metric ton, and captured gas could be sold for industrial uses. The development of this technology requires an evolution of the entire ecosystem for the storage and use of captured carbon.
Improved fossil fuels and multi-fuel motors
Large ships, designed to last several decades, need transitional solutions before the widespread adoption of zero carbon fuel. Wärtsilä relies on multi-fuel engines capable of using improved fossil fuels today, while being ready to move on to more specific options in the future.
Natural gas, for example, is a heavy alternative to heavy fuel oil, with reduced carbon emissions by 20 % and fewer particles and Nox. However, its cost remains variable, emphasizing the need for viable economic solutions to encourage transition.
Methanol and neutral carbon fuel
Methanol, produced in a renewable way, presents itself as a promising fuel to reduce maritime emissions. This fuel can reduce 95 % CO2 emissions and completely remove sulfur oxides and particles. Although it is currently mainly produced from natural gas or coal, more ecological options are starting to emerge.
The adaptation of existing engines to use methanol requires modifications, but the potential of this fuel in the context of maritime decarbonization is considerable. Methanol engines are already starting to be adopted in the container sector, signaling progress towards cleaner solutions.
Faced with these complex challenges, the maritime industry is at a crossroads. Current technologies offer promising solutions, but require investment and international cooperation to be implemented effectively. What will be the next crucial step to guarantee a sustainable and economically viable maritime future?
This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.
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