Ship design, particularly the design of bulk carriers, presents particular challenges when it comes to the decarbonisation of existing vessels, according to dry bulk shipowner association Intercargo.
Intercargo Chairman Dimitris Fafalios (pictured) said: “Shipping is an extremely wide term covering both tramp and liner sectors. Our sector, that of dry bulk carriers, presents special challenges to decarbonisation due to its non-regular, itinerant nature, serving more ports and more anchorages in the world than other sectors. The design of our bulk carriers, especially the smaller geared vessels, present a cargo section forward of the engine room bulkhead where deck tanks for alternative fuels cannot be located. In addition, the deck cranes leave little room for the increased storage volumes required by alternative, low carbon or zero carbon fuels.”
Fafalios was speaking at an Intercargo seminar in Athens supported by @Technava, which explored the real-life technical and operational solutions that can assist dry bulk operators to move forward on their decarbonisation journey. Other speakers included representatives from bulk carrier builder Nihon Shipyard; engine maker WinGD, speaking about engines designed for ammonia and methanol; Alfa Laval; and Oldendorff Carriers, reviewing the commercial impact of the imminent EU-ETS scheme. Each presentation was followed by a lively Q+A session where many participants shared their thoughts, concerns and experience.
Fafalios concluded: “It was exciting to have so many Intercargo members present at this important meeting. Dry bulk ship owners are keen to play their part in helping to meet shipping’s ambitious decarbonisation goals and events like this enable us to share knowledge and experience.”
