Page 106 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023

GREEN SHIPPING

Mr Miltiadis Synefias discusses the potential of LNG as a transitional option towards
the 2030 & 2050 environmental targets, the hurdles to the successful implementation of
ETS and analyses the various technological solutions for shipping’s decarbonisation.

THERE IS A

LONG WAY AHEAD

Although initiatives focused on developing emission reduction technologies
are increasing dramatically, the survey findings indicate that industry experts
consider it doubtful that any such technology will be widely adopted by 2050.
What main challenges stand in the way of developing such solutions, and what
is a realistic timeframe for their widespread adoption in shipping?
Regretfully, we have to repeat comments such as the regulations being
issued long before the technical compliance solutions can be offered.
It is evident that the industry will have to go through adopting hybrid
solutions that include fuel oil and another fuel with a reduced CO₂
footprint. Solutions such as the VLSFO_LNG DF may be technically
available today but are not techno-economically feasible - a fact con-
firmed by the majority of MARTECMA members who voted in favour
of slow steaming as the most effective measure imposed on European
shipping. Furthermore, other alternative fuels may also be available,
but the supply chain infrastructure and the legal/safety aspects still
require development. Therefore, the ship owner/operator is once again
asked to invest in and test the offered solutions, which, in their majority,
are incomplete and expensive.

Regarding the goals set by the IMO for 2030, 21% of the respondents consider
their achievement likely and 3% extremely likely. What exactly is required to
achieve these goals, and why does the shipping community doubt they will be
attained?
The industry requires clear and transparent solutions, well developed
in terms of safety, legal framework, supply chain infrastructure, and
availability of an adequately trained workforce for worldwide operation.
by Miltiadis Synefias, Even more important, the solutions should make sense in meeting the
Technical Director, environmental compliance regulations, with transparent processes for
Pleiades Shipping Agents SA
evaluating the well-to-wake CO₂ footprint of each fuel.

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