Green Shipping

Shipping industry is fcommitted to reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020 The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has produced a briefing document for government climate change negotiators, in advance of the next United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 17), which commences in Durban at the end of this month.ICS secretary general, Peter Hinchliffe explained: "The international shipping industry is firmly committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020, with significant further reductions thereafter. However, the Durban UNCCC needs to give the IMO a clear mandate to continue its vital work to help us deliver further emission reductions through the development of market based measures (MBM)."The shipping industry hopes that governments at COP 17 will respond positively to the significant IMO agreement, in July 2011, to adopt a package of technical measures to reduce shipping's CO2 emissions - which by 2030 should reduce ships' emissions by 25-30% compared to 'business as usual'. This is the first ever international agreement containing binding and mandatory measures to reduce CO2 emissions that has thus far been agreed for an entire industrial sector.Most importantly- and without prejudice to what governments might agree at UNCCC - the shipping industry believes that IMO...

An unusual algae bloom provides this effect at night Who knew red tide caused blue waves?San Diego's beaches are captivating many with an eerie nighttime phenomenon. It seems that "red tide" is causing bioluminescent glow-in-the-dark waves in the area, a sight that's almost too eerie to believe.According to the Los Angeles Times, an unusual algae bloom has turned the surf red by day, and provided this effect at night.The electric blue glow is caused by an algae bloom commonly referred to as a "red tide." The organism, a phytoplankton called Lingulodinium polyedrum, has bloomed since late August, turning the water a brownish-red color in the daytime, according to UC San Diego scientists.More specifically, the color is caused by a chemical reaction that results from the movement of the algae. Move a whole lot of algae at once (in say, the crash of a wave) and a brilliant flash of light becomes visible.The event is mildly toxic, GrindTV reported, but isn't really harmful to humans beyond making a swim a bit uncomfortable. However the phenomenon has brought out all sorts of adventurous types, especially surfers who can't wait to say they rode glow-in-the-dark waves. Its at least a lot safer than...

John Aitken of SEAaT argues an emissions trading scheme is the best way for shipping industry In the same way as other industries strive to reduce their carbon footprints, the sector that underpins 95 per cent of the world's trade - shipping - must do likewise. For this to happen, we need global collaboration and engineering innovation supported by regulation that applies to all vessels, regardless of their flag.2011 is shaping up to be an important year for shipping. United Nations agency International Maritime Organisation (IMO) appears to have laid the groundwork with its recent Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), a meaningful step forward for the industry and no mean feat, considering the challenge of finding agreement between developed and developing countries, as seen at the IMO and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change talks.EEDI adoption signals real progress and sends a clear message that the IMO is serious about reducing emissions. This is no more than a first step, however. Now that the EEDI has been made mandatory, the path is clear for discussion of a practical approach to targeted emissions reduction via market-based measures, including the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).An ETS is essential if shipping is to avoid...

The ships need a minimum score based on fuel consumption and emissions In an attempt to cut greenhouse gas emmissions, the Indian government will introduce a discount for all 'green' ships docking at the country's ports. The ships need a minimum score based on fuel consumption and emissions including sulphur di-oxide and carbon-di-oxide.Green is now the new buzz at the shipping ministry. In an endeavour to cut down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit damage to coastal life, the ministry is planning to introduce a discount for 'green ships' that enter Indian ports.This is a prevalent practice at some major ports such as Hamburg in Germany, Antwerp in Belgium and Panama. The ministry has proposed offering a rebate of 25% on vessel related charges on such ships.To qualify for a discount a ship needs to score 30 or more points on the International Environmental Ship Index, which rates vessels on a scale from 0 to 100 based on factors such as fuel consumption and emissions including sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide.The minimum qualifying score at Indian ports, for availing the discount, is yet to be finalised. The proposal forms part of the discussions of the working group on shipping...

11 to 15 July 2011 Mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping were adopted by Parties to MARPOL Annex VI represented in the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), when it met for its 62nd session from 11 to 15 July 2011 at IMO Headquarters in London, representing the first ever mandatory global greenhouse gas reduction regime for an international industry sector.The amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, add a new chapter 4 to Annex VI on Regulations on energy efficiency for ships to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships. Other amendments to Annex VI add new definitions and the requirements for survey and certification, including the format for the International Energy Efficiency Certificate.The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013.However, under regulation 19, the Administration may waive the requirement for new ships of 400 gross tonnage and above from complying with the EEDI requirements. This waiver may not be applied...

The kite will use wind power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs Cargill has signed an agreement with Greek ship owner/manager Anbros Maritime S.A. (Anbros) to install the world's largest kite on its Aghia Marina dry bulk cargo vessel. The Aghia Marina typically transports cargoes of agricultural and industrial raw materials.The 170 metre long carrier, built in 1994, has a service speed of up to 14 knots and can carry about 28,500 tonnes of dry bulk cargoes at any one time, making it the largest vessel to use the wind power technology created by SkySails GmbH (SkySails).Last February, Cargill announced it had signed a supply agreement with SkySails that aims to use wind power technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. SkySails, based in Hamburg, has developed an innovative, patented technology that uses a kite which flies ahead of the vessel and generates enough propulsion to reduce consumption of bunker fuel by up to 35 percent in ideal sailing conditions."We are delighted to partner with Anbros and announce the Aghia Marina as the largest vessel to use the SkySails technology to date", said Roger Janson, head of Cargill's ocean transportation business. "As Cargill is one...

Cooperation on verification of the green ships Earlier this month, Korea Finance Corporation has announced the green ship finance plan that incentives including a form of lower interest rates on loans will be provided to the ship owners who obtain the vessels designed to reduce emissions. In order to qualify for this financial incentives, the vessels must be built using technologies to reduce air pollutants (e.g. Nox, Sox., etc), CO2, or GHG."KoFC's Green Ship Program will be an encouraging strategy to bring Korean maritime industry closer to taking substantive actions toward reducing environment emissions and help expedite the development of environmentally friendly ships.It is also a golden opportunity for DNV to help Korean maritime industry players taking a step further into this green movement and support them on various green-technology issues," said Paal Johansen, Regional Manager for DNV in Korea & Japan.Korea Finance Corporation is the first financial organization in South Korea to run a ship finance program to boost the environmental friendly movement.KOFC (Korea Finance Corporation) Wholly owned by the Korean government, KoFC maintains and intensifies the role as an advanced policy-based finance institution. Korea Finance Corporation was established as a financial institutions for money brokerage and assist small...