Page 122 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

OPINIONS ON GREEN SHIPPING

Alexandros Dimokratis highlights the importance of investing in new technologies sooner
rather than later, noting that if the shipping industry, governments, and technology
developers collaborate effectively, significant progress can be made in the industry’s
decarbonisation.

DELAYING INVESTMENT

IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES

WILL HINDER GLOBAL

EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS

35% (almost one in three) of the survey participants would
invest in neither CO2 capture systems nor in LNG, methanol
or ammonia engines to improve the energy efficiency of a
newly built ship. Does this finding raise concerns about the
pace of the industry’s decarbonisation?
The shipping industry has committed to aligning
with ambitious decarbonisation goals, including the
reduction of GHG emissions and achieving full decar-
bonisation by 2050. However, if a large portion of the
shipping community avoids investing in new tech-
nologies, achieving these targets will prove difficult.
There are several reasons behind the reluctance to
invest on the part of ship managers and operators,
including the increased costs associated with inte-
grating new technologies into new or older vessels,
the safety challenges posed by using new fuels, and
the need for crew training, which involves a steep
learning curve. Moreover, there are concerns about
port infrastructure and fuel supply on a global scale.
Nevertheless, not investing now may result in higher
future costs, as retrofitting ships to meet stricter
environmental regulations can prove to be more
expensive than incorporating technologies in the
newbuilding phase. Companies that delay invest-
ments risk missing out on financial support and capi-
by Alexandros Dimokratis, tal from financial centres promoting decarbonisation
Technical Manager efforts. They may also face commercial competitive
at Dorian LPG
disadvantages, as environmentally conscious cus-

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