Ferry emissions are over-proportional with respect to the number of these ships. Half of the European ferry emissions stem from the Mediterranean, this largely reflecting a greater number of ships operating in this sea. Which factors affects ferry carbon intensity and energy efficiency? New insights and perspective from a study realized by the CMCC Foundation in the framework of GUTTA project activities.
Climate change mitigation requires curbing emissions from all sectors, including shipping. The European Union has set ambitious targets to achieve this goal. The European regulation number 757 on Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of CO2 emissions (EU-MRV) contributes to it by collecting CO2 emission data from all vessels above 5,000 GT calling at ports within the European Economic Area.
In this area, ferries represent just 3% of all vessels. However, in 2018 they accounted for 10% of CO2 emissions from all ships in the EU-MRV. Why carbon footprint of ferries is so high? Is it related to sea or navigational conditions? Or perhaps to any characteristics of the vessels?
A CMCC study presented last June during the 21st IEEE International Conference on Mobile Data Management and realized in the framework of GUTTA project’s activities, explores this issue while providing new insights and perspective.
The analysis, led by Gianandrea Mannarini, senior scientist at the CMCC Foundation, explores various energy efficiency indicators. Results reveal some clustering in the vessel population and the key factors are year of build, vessel length, service speed, and fuel type. Georeferencing data provide additional information on the continental patterns of the Ro-Pax emissions.
About the half of the total ferry emissions stem from the Mediterranean; this largely reflects a greater number of ships operating in this sea. More in detail, the study highlights a weak correlation between CO2 emission per service hours and the mean annual sea state (significant height of waves where the ferry operates); this correlation is slightly higher just for smaller ferries (i.e., length below 120 meters). Researchers also assess which factors influence ferry carbon intensity, defined as CO2 emissions per transport work, highlighting a great variability spanning five orders of magnitude, while the ferry size varies by less than two.
“This variability is influenced by many factors” Gianandrea Mannarini explains, “such as ferry size, propulsion features, age and other characteristics of the Ro-Pax vessels, such as number of vehicles carries, number of cabins available and other passenger services. However, we will have to use data from multiple years for better analysing how ferries performed with respect to emissions”.
In certain ways, energy efficiency reflects the ship’s age and the tendency to build bigger and bigger ships during the last decades. “The data”, Mannarini adds, “indicate that some of the most carbon intensive vessels were built during the past 20 years. More and better time-resolved emission data from the vessels, possibly at individual voyage level, would enable a better assessment, which is the first step for informing International policies and regulations aimed at reducing both carbon intensity and absolute emissions.”
Source: CMCC
Ammonia as a fuel for shipping: challenges and opportunities
18.12.2020
On December 16, 2020, the director of HUB Mare nostrum, Sandro Vidas, participated in the webinar Ammonia as a shipping fuel: challenges and opportunities.
Ammonia is a hydrogen based fuel that can be used in certain fuel cells or as a fuel for direct combustion in internal combustion engines. According to the Hydrogen Europe comparison tool, it is considered a very promising option mainly for larger ships but there are still many issues to tackle. Ammonia is an interesting case among the e-fuels options not only because it is the only fuel that doesn’t contain carbon but also because it is already produced globally in large volumes, which could accelerate the transition of shipping towards decarbonization.
Speakers and topics:
Tristan Smith, UMAS - Estimates of the comparative techno-economics of hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels, and ammonia’s wider hydrogen economy and energy system interconnection
Rob Stevens, Yara International - Scaling up ammonia
Frederik Van Nuffel, Exmar - Transport of Ammonia by Ship
Julia Hanson, IVL Swedish Environment Energy Institute - Ammonia and hydrogen from a system perspective
Kjeld Aabo, MAN Energy solutions, Unlocking ammonia’s potential for shipping: the 2-stroke ammonia engine
Paul Davies, Lloyd’s Register - Using ammonia as a fuel: regulatory aspects
Bernt Skeie, Prototech - The ShipFC initiative: Norwegian project to convert offshore vessel to run on ammonia
Green Shipping Expert Group
17.12.2020
Green shipping experts begin activities for zero emission future
EU funded STEERER project kick starts the work of the newly formed Green Shipping Expert Group with first workshop
STEERER aims to:
Jointly set emission targets towards 2050 (including targets for 2025 and 2030);
Develop a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda to be able to reach these targets in time;
Develop an Implementation Plan to reach the targets in due course while staying competitive and offering a valid business case;
Developing and implementing a communication campaign, aimed at broader awareness of the waterborne transport sector and its commitment towards zero-emission transport;
Monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Strategy defined and adapting where necessary, after the project’s conclusion, by the Green Shipping Expert Group.
Happy St Nicholas Day!
06.12.2020
Program for co-financing the boarding of trainees on ships in international and national navigation
16.11.2020
Today, on Novemeber 16, 2020, the Ministry of Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure held a meeting with the members of the Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum regarding the new Program for co-financing the boarding of trainees on ships in international and national navigation. The meeting was attended by representatives of Alpha Adriatic d.d., Tankerska plovidba and Jadrolinija.
Meeting with Petrokemija d.d
13.11.2020
On Friday, November 13, 2020, an online meeting with Petrokemija d.d. was held regarding the role of hydrogen in the production of green ammonia and its application in the maritime sector.
Meeting with Jadrolinija
13.11.2020
On Friday, November 13, 2020, the Croatian Association of Shipowners' Mare Nostrum held a meeting in Jadrolinija together together with Croatian Association for the Development and Application of Hydrogen Fuel Cells, regarding development of new hydrogen ferries (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers - LOCH).
On Friday, November 13, 2020, the Croatian Shipping Association Mare Nostrum held a meeting in Jadrolinija together with the H2 Association. The meeting was related to the development of new hydrogen ferries (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers - LOCH).
Third meeting of negotiations on the National Collective Agreement for Croatian Seafarers in International Navigation
12.11.2020
On November 12, 2020, in Rijeka was held the third meeting of negotiations on the National Collective Agreement for Croatian Seafarers in International Navigation.
Continuation of negotiations on the National Collective Agreement for Croatian Seafarers in International Navigation
28.10.2020
On October 28, 2020, the second meeting regarding the negotiations on the National Collective Agreement for Croatian Seafarers in International Navigation was held at the premises of Tankerska plovidba in Zadar. Meeting participants were delegates from the Seafarers' Union of Croatia, Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum and its members.
Meeting regarding the Final proposal of the Foreigners Act
16.10.2020
On October 16, 2020. the meeting regarding the Final proposal of the Foreigners Act was held at the premises of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Meeting participants were delegates from the Ministry, Tankerska plovibda and Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum.
The first session of the negotiating committee for the National Collective Agreement for Croatian seafarers on ships in international navigation 2021-2022
15.10.2020
On October 15, the first session of the Negotiating Committee for the National Collective Agreement for Croatian Seafarers on Ships in International Navigation 2021-2022 was held at the premises of the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.
95th Session of the Asembley of the Croatian Shipowners's Association
05.10.2020
On September 30, 2020, the 95th session of the Assembley of the Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum was held in Zagreb.
The European Commission has launched an alliance for pure hydrogen
09.07.2020
To become climate neutral by 2050, Europe needs to transform its energy system, which is the source of more than 75 percent of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions.
The strategies adopted yesterday for the integration of the energy system and clean hydrogen pave the way for a more efficient and connected energy sector with the goal of a cleaner planet and a stronger economy.
These two strategies represent a new clean energy investment plan in line with the European Commission's Next Generation EU recovery package and the European Green Plan.
To enable the goals of this strategy to be achieved, the Commission yesterday launched the European Alliance for Clean Hydrogen in cooperation with industry leaders, civil society, national and regional ministries and the European Investment Bank.
The Alliance will create a portfolio of investments to support clean hydrogen production in the EU and boost hydrogen demand. At the same time, the European Commission said, it will focus on hydrogen from renewable sources, which will be replenished with low-carbon hydrogen during the transition period.
94th session of the Assembley of the Croatian Shipowner's Association Mare Nostrum
10.06.2020
On June 10, 2020, the 94th session of the Assembley of the Croatian Shipowner's Association Mare Nostrum was held in Zagreb.
Travelling at zero net CO2 emissions: an Interreg project tells how
27.05.2020
How can we estimate the CO2 emissions related to a research project? How can we offset them? The Italy – Croatia Interreg GUTTA project finds a way to successfully implement an EU project with zero net travel emissions.
The total direct emissions related to all travels generated by GUTTA project in 2019 were about 7 tons CO2. This corresponds to the emissions of an average Italian person during one year (according to data from the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance). This is the main result of the monitoring activity of CO2 emissions due to meeting travels of GUTTA, a project of the Italy – Croatia Interreg Programme that aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the ferry boat maritime traffic in the Adriatic Sea.
“In GUTTA we have a specific deliverable requiring us to monitor and report emissions related to project meetings and other travels for project related events- explains Gianandrea Mannarini, senior scientist at the CMCC Foundation and coordinator of GUTTA – and this could represent an innovation for EU projects.”
“We would like GUTTA to be the first EU project with zero net CO2 travels – Mannarini adds – and this can be done via negative emissions”. They can be achieved e.g. by funding reforestation/afforestation projects, provision of clean water supply in developing Countries (thus avoiding burning fossil fuels for purifying it), or supporting small renewable energy plants. This will also be beneficial UN SDGs like the #13 (‘Climate Action’).
How was the cost for offsetting GUTTA carbon footprint estimated? The travels emissions were considered as if they were part of the European Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS). This first attempt just considered the emissions directly related to travels. However, for a truly zero net CO2 project the picture should be enlarged to include both indirect emissions caused by the travels (so called scope 2 and scope 3 emissions) and other project budget lines, such as staff and equipment.
The average carbon intensity of GUTTA travels in 2019 was found to be 107 gCO2/km, which is less than the intensity of the average car in the EU, and the offsetting cost amounted to amounted to less than 200 euro. Thus, investing a little part of the project budget, GUTTA partners will know that their travels did not contribute to climate change.
Key wind-assist propulsion installation starts North Sea operations
29.04.2020
During the docking of the MV Ankie of Jan van Dam Shipping in January 2020 at the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard, the first retrofit eConowind Ventifoil wind-assist system was installed, six months after signing the contract. “The good and close cooperation between eConowind, Van Dam Shipping and Niestern Sander resulted in a pioneering project, which was completed within the planned installation period”, states Bart Volgers.
This installation features two, 10-meter wings that will generate significant force allowing the vessel to reduce motor power and thus save energy.
The 3,600 DWT general cargo vessel MV Ankie, made its first voyage with the two wings installed, sailing for Wagenborg from Delfzijl to Hamburg, onwards to Norway and then back to Rotterdam.
Happy Easter!
10.04.2020
Golar Viking Management - Associate Member of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association Mare Nostrum
07.04.2020
On April 2, 2020, Croatian Shipowners’ Association Mare Nostrum welcomed one more associate member into the Association, Golar Viking Management Ltd.
Newly established Golar Viking Management Ltd. contracted with LNG Croatia Ltd. regarding the management and maintenance services of a floating FSRU terminal for a period of 10 years on the island of Krk (Omišalj). A Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) is a vital component for transit and transfer of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). FSRU can be termed as a special type of ship used for LNG transfer.
The Association looks forward to the new membership and active cooperation of the new Member.
The second GUTTA Steering Committee meeting will take place on April 1-2, 2020
30.03.2020
The Consortium has stuck to this date since the previous meeting in Zagreb (Croatia) on Oct.1, 2019. In the meanwhile, the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe has changed everything, forcing the GUTTA consortium to restructure the physical meeting, originally due in Zadar (Croatia), into a web-conference.
Nevertheless, the meeting will include a comprehensive overview of the progress in the implementation of GUTTA, in both its technical and management components. The criticalities emerged during the first 15 months of the project will be discussed, in order to find shared solutions and make decisions impacting the remainder of the project.
The GUTTA project of the Italy-Croatia Interreg Program aims to contribute to the decarbonization of the ferry boat maritime traffic. To this end, a new tool for computation of eco-routes based on marine forecast and VISIR model is under construction. Furthermore, GUTTA disseminates the value of the public data collected under the European Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification of CO2 emissions by ships calling at EEA harbors, and is making an objective assessment for the need for a new ferry link between Italy and Croatia.
Message to all Seafarers due to COVID-19 Pandemic
25.03.2020
Recently, we have been faced with serious security measures due to COVID-19 Disease that affected our daily private and business life. Many seafarers continue to sail, endangering their health and life so that the transport of people, food and other cargo can function normally.
We would like to thank not only the medical, safety and other personnel who care for the basic living conditions in this pandemic but also a special thanks goes to all brave sailors who continue to sail!
We also send a message of encouragement to their families who can be proud of our heroes. Now is the time for all of us to do our best. Let's together find a way out of these difficulties and help build a better world for everyone. This difficult situation will pass, and when it is over, we will be even stronger and we will know that we can do even more when we are united in courage and solidarity!
Dear sailors, may you have a calm sea! Come back to us alive and well!
Video Source: Marine Insight
Meeting regarding the National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping
06.03.2020
On March 2, 2020, 92nd sessions of the Assembly of the Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum was held at the premises of the Association. Also, on March 6, 2020, a meeting regarding the National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping was held on March 6, 2020, in Zagreb.
at the premises of the Association. Also, on March 6, 2020, a meeting regarding the National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping was held on March 6, 2020, in Zagreb. On March 2, 2020, 92nd sessions of the Assembly of the Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum was held
at the premises of the Association. Also, on March 6, 2020, a meeting regarding the National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping was held on March 6, 2020, in Zagreb. On March 2, 2020, 92nd sessions of the Assembly of the Croatian Shipowners' Association Mare Nostrum was held
at the premises of the Association. Also, on March 6, 2020, a meeting regarding the National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping was held on March 6, 2020, in Zagreb.
Working Meeting regarding negotiation on National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping
17.01.2020
On January 17, 2020, the working meeting regarding negotiation on the National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping was held in Rijeka.
Meeting regarding National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping
10.01.2020
On January 9, 2020, the meeting regarding National Collective Agreement for seafarers on liner shipping was held in Zagreb.
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