If we talk about the global transportation industry, it includes things like trucks, ships, airplanes and rails. And all of these shipping modes consume a lot of fuel and are the reason behind water and air pollution. Therefore, big organizations like the UN and IMO suggest we adopt green shipping methods for promoting eco-friendly practices.
Let’s understand what green shipping is, what the world is doing to achieve green shipping and what are its advantages.
What is Green Shipping?
Approximately, 3% of carbon emissions come from the shipping industry. We should adopt green shipping ways to reduce carbon emissions and make the environment greener and safer.
“Green shipping is implementing cleaner and more advanced technologies to make the environment more sustainable and promote nature”. For a bright and green future, it is necessary to follow the SOPs.
13 Strategies To Achieve Green Shipping
Select the Greenest way
It depends on how far you are importing products. Air freight can bring products in less time, but it emits more greenhouse gasses compared to sea shipping. If road transport is possible, then you must opt for this mode because of less carbon emission and more advanced technologies in road transportation. The trucks are now shifting to electric and hybrid technologies to help the environment carbon-free.
Consolidate Freight
It is a very effective technique for utilizing freight facilities to the maximum limits. You can collaborate with other buyers or your shipper can send the goods of multiple buyers in a single shipment. In this way, fuel will be saved resulting in less emissions of carbon and other toxic gases.
Air freight consolidation is another great way to decrease carbon footprints. You can also consolidate your freight if you are importing goods from multiple suppliers in a single country.
Improve Port Infrastructure
Improving port infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies can reduce carbon emissions. Usually, the ships wait for a long time for anchoring because of less number of berths. Normally, the ships use their engines for lighting and other critical tasks, however, it is not an environmentally friendly way. The port’s electricity should be used by the ships to reduce the carbon footprints.
Low Sulfur Fuel
Sulfur is a toxic agent that causes air pollution. And it’s something which is present in the fuel of airplanes. That means when an aeroplane is carrying cargo from one country to another, it releases smoke which has sulfur traces.
You should use (LSFO) low sulfur fuel oil, marine gas oil (MGO), and LNG to reduce sulfur content. The engine life will also be increased by using high-quality fuel.
Ship Travel Speed
Speed is another critical factor in the emission of greenhouse gases and sulfur. High-speed ships normally consume 280-300 metric tons of fuel per day. Burning such a large quantity of High-sulfur fuel oil causes high sulfur and carbon emissions. However, if a ship travels slowly, it will burn only 80-100 metric tons of fuel per day. So set the speed to the lower limits and reduce carbon emissions.
Ballast Free System
Ballast water is the excessive water stored in the tanks beneath the ships to increase stability throughout the voyage. It is stored when the empty ships have to move through a rough sea.
The dangerous pathogens and organisms produced in this tank can cause pollution and damage the sea life when this water is discharged into the sea. IMO has regulated the ballast water management system to prevent any changes in the biodiversity of the environment.
Use of LNG
LNG fuel is another choice for the shipping industry to transfer from the conventional HSFO to the most advanced LNG fuel. This fuel burning emits minimum carbon and sulfur to the environment. Depending on the size and design of the vessels, the fuel type is decided for maximum efficiency and minimum cost.
Anti Fouling Paints
Another technical point to minimize fuel consumption during shipping is to apply high-quality anti-fouling paints at the bottom of the ship. Applying this paint to the hull prevents the attachment of unnecessary material and organisms to the hull. This paint leads to a cleaner hull, thus reducing friction during the journey and ultimately less fuel consumption.
Use of Green Hydrogen
You can use the hydrogen fuel to run the big ships. The hydrogen fuel is called green hydrogen if it is produced through renewable energy. For example, if the energy is produced through solar or wind, then this energy is used to split hydrogen and carbon in an electrolyzer. The resulting hydrogen will be used as a hydrogen oil in the ships as it produces no carbons and other gasses.
Sandwich Plate System
During the transit journey, the ships need to be repaired sometimes. This Sandwich plate system is used to composite two metal plates with the help of polyurethane elastomer. The maintenance through this SPS is a carbon-free method to repair the broken parts. This elastomer core prevents plates from buckling and maintains their strength.
Efficient Steering Gears
You should use hydraulic and electric gear systems to reduce fuel consumption. The hydraulic pump provides hydraulic pressure through electricity or any other mechanical means.
The rotary movements in the rudder system cause ships to turn through this hydraulic pressure. Almost 3-4% of fuel consumption is reduced by using efficient steering gears.
Waste-Heat Recovery System
A waste heat recovery system is an advanced system to produce energy from the wasted heat. This system uses flue gases emitted from diesel engines to transfer to the other part to increase efficiency by heating the other areas such as the cargo area. This steam can also be used to produce energy like electricity or any other useful purpose.
Implement Sulfur Scrubber System
It is an exhausting system installed on the chimneys to stop the emission of sulfur into the air. This sulfur scrubber system is internationally promoted to decrease sulfur emissions.
There are two types of sulfur scrubber systems, one is a wet scrubber and the other is a dry scrubber. The wet scrubber needs freshwater availability for work, while hydrated lime is used for dry scrubbers.
Main Benefits of Green Shipping
Brand Reputation
The shipping companies that have aligned themselves according to international standard regulations are more valuable in the customer’s eyes. “Bansar” being an international company has adopted all the ways for green shipping. We are trying to save the environment by implementing standard green methods in our operations.
Save Money
By adopting green shipping techniques, you will not only save the environment but also save a hefty amount of money. By using LNG, and reduced sulfur oil, the engine’s life will be increased, thus saving a huge maintenance cost. You should consider using green shipping ways to maintain a sustainable shipping industry, which is giving huge revenue.
Compliance and Mitigating Risk
To get good business globally, we can regulate our shipping company according to international standards. European companies always ask for standard certifications before doing any business. So ensuring compliance is necessary to avoid any damage or risk.
To Conclude
The whole world is moving towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions so that there are minimum carbon emissions and fuel usage. The International Maritime Organization focuses on reducing the carbon intensity of shipping businesses by 40% in the next 5-6 years.
