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EPL AND BEYOND: NAVIGATING MARITIME DECARBONISATION
Njord hosts an enlightening event titled "EPL, Then What?", diving into the pivotal topic of Engine Power Limitation (EPL) and its significance in the maritime sector's decarbonisation journey.
As a leader in maritime innovation and technology integration, Njord is uniquely positioned to explore this subject, thanks to our extensive experience in assessing, designing, and installing energy-saving solutions across the shipping industry.
This discussion is aimed at unpacking the concept of EPL, examining its role in shipping decarbonisation, the commercial impacts, and the technologies that can mitigate these impacts.
EPL is a strategy for improving a vessel's Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) by limiting the engine's power output. This approach, while straightforward for some shipowners, poses challenges for others, particularly in maintaining trading capabilities.
Three Key Takeaways from the Event:
Importance of EPL in Decarbonisation: EPL stands as a crucial component in the maritime industry's decarbonisation efforts. By reducing engine power, ships can meet stringent regulatory standards and contribute to global greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, the implementation of EPL also brings about commercial challenges, necessitating a balanced approach to ensure operational efficiency and compliance.
The Role of Technologies in Mitigating EPL Impacts: The event highlighted a variety of technologies and methodologies that can help offset the commercial drawbacks of EPL. These include energy-saving devices (ESDs) and advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess and confirm the effectiveness of these technologies. Emphasis was placed on the need for a holistic view when applying such technologies, considering the interplay between different solutions to maximise fuel savings and environmental benefits.
Continuous Performance Enhancement is Essential: A recurrent theme throughout the discussion was the necessity for ongoing vessel performance improvement. The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with new regulations and green fuel options emerging. Shipowners must not only adapt to current standards but also anticipate future developments by investing in sustainable technologies that offer strong commercial cases. This forward-thinking approach ensures competitiveness and compliance in a changing regulatory landscape.
This event underscored Njord's commitment to supporting the maritime industry's transition towards a more sustainable and efficient future. Through our holistic approach to technology adoption and our strong foothold in the supplier market, we empower shipowners to navigate the complexities of decarbonisation, maximising their commercial and environmental performance.
The "EPL, Then What?" event brings together three distinguished panelists, each offering unique perspectives and expertise on the topic of EPL and its broader implications for decarbonisation in the maritime industry. Their backgrounds and contributions underscored the multifaceted approach needed to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by EPL.
Jon Lane: Leading the sustainability team at RightShip from their London office, brings over a decade of international experience in sustainability projects and innovation, with a significant portion dedicated to the maritime sector. His work focuses on developing and delivering digital tools that leverage smart data use, providing valuable insights for environmental management across the maritime industry. Jon's expertise in emissions and his dedication to improving environmental standards make him an essential voice in discussions on sustainable maritime operations. His involvement in the panel highlights the critical role of data and digital solutions in achieving environmental goals in shipping.
Henrik Mikkelsen: A partner at Aerotak with a PhD in ship hydrodynamics, represents the cutting edge of ship design and energy efficiency. His experience spans towing tank experiments, ship design consultancy, and classification societies. Henrik's collaborative work with ship designers, energy-saving device suppliers, and shipowners to increase the energy efficiency of both new and existing vessels places him at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation efforts. His insights into the application of fluid dynamic simulations and energy-saving technologies provided valuable perspectives on the technical solutions available to mitigate the impacts of EPL.
Steen Jacobsen: The technical director of Njord, boasts nearly four decades of experience in the maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore roles at Maersk. His broad expertise includes fuel efficiency, new building supervision, and retrofits, making him a pivotal figure in driving innovation and results in maritime technology. Steen's comprehensive understanding of fleet technology and fuel optimisation, combined with his hands-on experience as a chief engineer, lends practical insights into the real-world application and challenges of implementing EPL and other decarbonisation strategies.
The collective expertise of Jon, Henrik, and Steen offers a holistic view of the EPL landscape, from regulatory compliance and environmental management to technical solutions and operational efficiency. Their diverse backgrounds ensure a comprehensive discussion on the implications of EPL, highlighting innovative approaches to overcome challenges and seize opportunities within the decarbonisation journey. This panel exemplifies Njord's commitment to facilitating meaningful dialogue and action in maritime sustainability, leveraging the knowledge and experience of industry leaders to chart a course toward a greener maritime future.
A crucial discussion unfolded around the synergy of combining various technologies to tackle the challenges of Engine Power Limitation (EPL) and enhance decarbonisation efforts in the shipping industry.
The conversation illuminated the path forward, underscoring the importance of holistic, informed approaches to technology adoption amidst the continuous change of maritime sustainability and regulatory landscapes.
Key Discussion Points on Technology Combination:
GHG Ratings as a Decarbonisation Anchor: Jon Lane highlighted the evolving role of GHG ratings in supporting the maritime sector's decarbonisation journey. As regulations tighten and sustainability becomes increasingly central, GHG ratings provide a framework for benchmarking and improving ship efficiency. The integration of Engine Saving Devices (ESDs) into these ratings necessitates a transparent, equitable approach to acknowledging advancements and investments in green technologies.
The Challenge of Validating Technology Performance: The panel addressed the practical difficulties of accurately measuring the performance and savings provided by technologies such as the Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF). Steen Jacobsen and Henrik Mikkelsen shared insights into the complexities of isolating individual technology effects in real-world conditions, highlighting the importance of controlled environments and high-quality sensors for reliable verification.
Strategic Technology Adoption and Verification: Emphasising the critical role of operational profiles in technology selection, the discussion ventured into how different vessels require tailored approaches. The combined effect of technologies, rather than their isolated impacts, forms the crux of effective decarbonisation strategies. Collaborating with experienced partners who can provide critical assessments and leverage Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations ensures that investments are both effective and aligned with broader sustainability goals.
Future Fuels and Holistic Efficiency: Looking ahead, the conversation touched upon the impending shift towards alternative fuels and the financial implications of transitioning. Henrik Mikkelsen urged shipowners to consider the broader economic and operational impacts of fuel choices, advocating for comprehensive energy-saving measures beyond mere compliance-driven modifications.
Practical Advice for Shipowners: The panelists concurred on the necessity for shipowners to engage with knowledgeable advisors who understand the multifaceted effects of technological combinations. This collaboration is vital for navigating the trade-offs and synergies between different solutions, ensuring that the chosen strategies not only meet current regulatory demands but are also scalable for future challenges.
The event underscores the complexity and urgency of advancing maritime decarbonisation through intelligent, combined technology strategies. As the industry moves towards a greener future, the insights shared by our panelists offer a roadmap for shipowners to navigate this transformation efficiently and sustainably.
Collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory environment are key to unlocking the potential of new technologies and fuel solutions, steering the maritime sector towards sustainability.
