Finding Zero

 

The global maritime industry is racing to cut emissions with solutions ranging from cutting-edge tech to, well… sails. Yes, we've come full circle. The same technology that powered pirates is now hailed as the future of sustainable shipping. What a time to be alive!

While we await warp drives and fusion reactors, the industry juggles alternative fuels – methanol, ammonia, hydrogen – plus hybrid propulsion, carbon capture and electrification. Regulations tighten the noose: IMO 2023 introduced energy efficiency rules; the EU ETS expanded to maritime in 2024, tripling compliance costs by 2030, and FuelEU Maritime kicked in this year with strict emissions targets.

The IMO's 2023 GHG Strategy aims for net-zero by 2050 with milestones along the way: 20 percent reduction by 2030 and 70 percent by 2040. Mid-term measures are due by 2027, following key meetings this year.

The race is on – powered by wind, data and just a dash of regulatory panic.

"GO GREEN, SAVE SOME GREEN"

The Liberian Registry (LISCR), the world's largest ship registry by gross tonnage, is deeply embedded in the maritime industry's efforts to meet decarbonization targets. Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of Innovation & Regulatory Affairs, sheds light on how the registry adapts to the decarbonization challenge.

"Our goal is to accelerate the transition to net-zero by 2050, embrace innovation and apply new IMO regulatory frameworks," he says, referencing the launch of LISCR's Innovation and Energy Transition Team in 2024. The team collaborates directly with shipowners, shipyards and design firms, ensuring sustainability is embedded from the design phase onward.

A key part of LISCR's strategy is its incentive programs.

"We offer discounts on registration fees for ships enrolled in green programs," Klenum states. The registry actively enhances these schemes to align with the evolving regulatory landscape, including EEXI and CII requirements. The message is clear: "Go green, save some green."

While alternative fuels dominate the discourse, Klenum quickly points out that efficiency gains are just as critical. "Wind-assisted propulsion systems are showing promising results," he notes, with LISCR soon to release an entire year's worth of data from Liberian-flagged vessels employing these systems.

Hull optimization also remains a priority. "With zero or near-zero emission fuels expected to be expensive and limited, efficiency becomes a survival strategy," Klenum emphasizes. Optimizing hull forms can significantly reduce both fuel consumption and operational costs.

When it comes to onboard carbon capture, LISCR is pushing the boundaries. "We've submitted proposals to the IMO to recognize carbon capture as a legitimate decarbonization technology," Klenum reveals, stressing the need for regulatory frameworks to catch up so shipowners can receive proper credit for captured emissions.

The revised 2023 IMO GHG Strategy adds another layer of complexity by expanding from tank-to-wake to well-to-wake emissions. "Depending on how the fuel is produced and transported, you could even bunker fuel with a negative CO2 impact," Klenum says, noting the potential for new net-zero pathways.

LISCR is also exploring emerging technologies. "We're conducting trials with artificial intelligence and autonomous shipping (with Avikus)," Klenum states. These technologies offer efficiency gains in route optimization, machinery operations and even collision avoidance, contributing to both decarbonization and navigational safety.

Klenum provides a candid assessment of nuclear power: "We've been involved in nuclear power plants for fixed locations, which is simpler due to localized regulatory frameworks. However, trading with nuclear-powered vessels globally faces complex challenges. The IMO's nuclear ship code is outdated, though discussions are underway to update it."

Despite the hurdles, he sees potential: "In the long term, nuclear could play an important role. A nuclear-powered vessel (which may not need refueling over its lifecycle) might offer a more stable, low-emissions solution compared to the cumulative risks of handling toxic alternative fuels like ammonia over 25 years."

He also voices concerns over regional emissions regulations: "We're not in favor of fragmented regional requirements for international shipping. Global regulations should come from the IMO to maintain consistency and fairness."

Regarding the timeline for the IMO's mid-term measures, Klenum was cautiously optimistic: "It could be achieved, but it requires global collaboration, technological innovation and scaling up near-zero carbon fuel availability." The roadmap includes the MEPC 83 meeting in April with critical decisions expected on fuel intensity standards and carbon pricing mechanisms. "We're up against a tight deadline," he admits, with implementation slated for early 2027.

Klenum concludes that decarbonizing shipping isn't about a single solution: "The biggest challenge is balancing innovation, new technologies and alternative fuels. It's not as simple as discovering a zero-emission fuel."

FUEL FUTURES FOG

In maritime decarbonization, Finland-based Auramarine is the go-to specialist for fuel supply systems across methanol, ammonia and biofuels. But beyond the polished technical specs, there's a landscape riddled with practical challenges that even the most sophisticated systems can't mask.

Methanol is often pitched as a "drop-in" fuel, but as Auramarine's responses make clear, it's more of a "rip out and rebuild" situation. Its systems demand dedicated safety automation, leak detection and specialized handling – hardly the seamless transition some in the industry like to suggest.

Auramarine CEO John Bergman says, "Quality is key as shipping navigates a multifuel future." Translation: Swapping fuels is easy; making it work safely isn't. Plus, methanol comes with a hidden caveat: Its lower energy density means vessels need up to twice the volume compared to traditional fuels to achieve the same range – a detail often missing from the marketing brochures.

Ammonia offers zero-carbon potential, but toxicity levels make LNG look like a scented candle. Auramarine's Ammonia Release Mitigation System (ARMS) sounds impressive on paper, focusing on gas capture, leak prevention and zero emissions to both air and water. Yet, behind the jargon, it boils down to one thing: mitigating risks that could make a minor leak catastrophic.

Risk thresholds for ammonia exposure are measured in parts per million (ppm), leaving no margin for error in operational settings. Bergman acknowledges this tightrope act, noting, "In navigating the energy transition's unknowns, experience and collaboration matter." Experience, yes—but even experience doesn't entirely solve ammonia's operational headaches.

Any volunteers for the first engine room crew? Ya, me neither.

When it comes to biofuels, Auramarine shifts from pioneering to pragmatic. Its Porla Fuel Measurement System is designed to ensure fuel stability, but the broader issue remains: Biofuels may work technically, but scaling them sustainably is another matter entirely. While biofuels can claim up to an 80 percent reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions, feedstock availability is the elephant in the engine room. Without sustainable sourcing at scale, the emissions savings look good on paper but falter in practice.

Regulatory pressure is accelerating these transitions, particularly from the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). But even as regulations tighten, the real issue isn't whether Auramarine can build systems for these fuels – it seems they can. The question is whether the fuels themselves are ready for prime time.

Bergman's closing sentiment, "If we want a healthy planet for our children, we need to start now," feels right. But the industry still seems to be debating where "now" even begins.

EMISSIONS DATA SMOG

While fuel suppliers tackle decarbonization from the engine room, Houston-based Cyanergy works from the data deck. Its focus? Continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) that promise not just compliance but clarity.

In an industry where emissions reporting often relies on manual fuel logs and conversion formulas (like the EPA's "1 gallon of diesel = 22.8 lbs. of CO2"), Cyanergy's approach is refreshingly direct: Measure what you emit, not what you estimate.

"Estimates leave room for inaccuracies, which can result in misleading reports, unattainable targets and even regulatory fees," says CTO Mohammed Khambaty. Enter continuous monitoring, where real-time data reduces anomalies, identifies inefficiencies and minimizes carbon accounting errors. Translation: less guesswork, fewer surprises.

Cyanergy estimates that over 90 percent of ships still rely on manual emission calculations, exposing operators to the risks of inaccurate reporting and potential penalties. Its IoT-enabled system, utilizing LoRaWAN (a low-power, wide-area networking protocol), integrates seamlessly with onboard sensors, including physically installed CO2 sensors in the engine and exhausts.

"Direct measurements have shown a three percent discrepancy compared to EPA/MARPOL formulas," Khambaty notes, "translating to significant cost savings for large vessels."

Steve Manz, CFO of Cyanergy, emphasizes the financial impact: "The carbon market is around $70–75 per metric ton for CO2. A big ship emits about 250 tons of CO2 per day at sea. Those are big numbers. The financial risk is huge if you're underestimating – or worse, overpaying."

Cyanergy claims its technology can save large vessels around $150,000 annually. Based on Shelf Drilling data, they've reported four to seven percent fuel savings with an ROI projected within one year. Manz adds, "These savings don't even factor in reductions in administrative and labor costs tied to compliance."

Looking ahead, Cyanergy is exploring blockchain for immutable, transparent carbon credit tracking and machine-learning to enhance predictive capabilities. It anticipates a standardized emissions monitoring scheme within five to six years.

FINDING ZERO

And so the maritime industry sails on, powered by wind, data and a fair amount of regulatory paperwork. What a time to be alive!