Page 120 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2023
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support your existing infrastructure
and have no intention of going for
a zero-emission operation, there is
a different class notations setup.
One of the headaches for large
shipowners who own hundreds of
ships is that they are classed by
different classification societies
and fly different flags. What we see
today is that each flag state treats
battery installation differently.
So, you need to understand the
different perspectives of class
societies and flag states. This can
be complex – in fact, it’s a jungle,
even though it shouldn’t be: but
we can guide the owners together
with the class societies and the flag
states.
What kind of savings will this offer compared
to switching to an alternative fuel type via an
engine retrofit, for example?
There have been a lot of studies on
the transition to alternative fuels.
Some suggest that batteries are
not a fully viable option, but others
acknowledge that the availability
of alternative fuels, regardless
of what they are, will only start
picking up from 2035. So today,
weeks. But just buying the batteries the availability of these fuels
is not enough: that’s the easy part. (e-methanol, e-ammonia, etc.) is
There is also a regulatory aspect to minimal, whereas batteries are
installation, because batteries need widely available. For me, there is
to be integrated onboard ship. That a transition gap between where
is usually the most challenging and we are today and what regulations
time-consuming part of the process. are asking for. As long as this
gap exists, there will be plenty of
What is the most common setup an owner opportunities for batteries. They
would need to consider when installing have a role to play as there is no
batteries onboard their vessel? fuel stability.
The first step before choosing this Another thing we’ve been looking
technology is to understand what into for a long time is fuel cells.
you need to achieve using batteries. If you wanted to buy an ammonia-
The first question to ask yourself ready engine today, you would
is whether you want to supplement not be able to find one. The same
your existing setup and not operate actually goes for methanol, where
solely on batteries. That’s the engines are approved in principle
hybrid solution, which differs from but not in fact. Of course, we know
operating exclusively on batteries. If that engine makers are not far away
you want to achieve a zero-emission with new methanol engines but
operation, you should take into many ships out there need to be
account class notations. These will converted to use this fuel type. At
offer the entire regulatory package the end of the day, we think there
required. will be room for alternative fuels,
On the other hand, if you aim to batteries and fuel cells.
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