Marasi 31(2)

EXPERT VIEW
LNG Powered Vessels: a key to
sustainable shipping goals
By Eng.Mohammed Zaitoun
President and CEO of
Zaitoun Green Shipping
Shipping has long been used as a principle means of
transport worldwide. It has played a vital role in a nation’s
economic development. However, emissions from vessels
pose a significant environmental concern because of their
impact on the atmosphere. Due to the rapidly rising world
population, the world seaborne trade will also increase
contributing to, and further exacerbating air pollution due
to maritime transport.
To counter the effects of pollution, the IMO has
developed regulations aiming to decrease emissions
from vessels. These air pollution regulations focus on
reduction of CO2, NOX, SOX and PM, since they are the
main emissions of vessel engines. Due to the necessity of
vessels to comply with tight restrictions on their emissions,
new options and solutions have emerged in the
shipping industry. The EU has called for a global approach
to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international
shipping. Shipping emissions are predicted to increase
between 50% and 250% by 2050 – depending on future
economic and energy developments.
Utilization of LNG as a marine fuel is considered an
attractive solution because of its low sulphur content and
its relative low price. As a ship fuel, LNG removes SOX
and PM emissions and reduces NOX and CO2 emissions.
The maritime industry has been working for decades
focusing in the air quality issues. LNG comes forth as
a viable option and an unrivalled solution to critical air
quality issues.
It is also believed that LNG as a marine fuel will drive
opportunities in this sector. LNG bunkering offers a
secure market for early movers. It has an excellent safety
record ensuring incident free operations. It is also the only
creditable alternative to meet national and international
regulatory targets. LNG is readily available at scale now
and offers a proven, affordable, and competitive solution
for the maritime sector while retaining tremendous flexibility
for the future.
An international Maritime Consortium for a better
future
Zaitoun Green Shipping L.L.C has initiated a consortium,
in collaboration with leading companies in smart
technology, to improve the performance of container
ships and to form a new business model for this market.
The consortium led by Zaitoun Green Shipping consists
of the top international industry key players such as Mac-
Gregor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery &
Equipment, Wärtsilä, Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd, Gaztransport
& Technigaz (GTT), WIN GD, CargoTech and
Carinafour.
The main benefit of the consortium is to protect the
marine environment and drive growth through innovative,
smart approaches, forming new business models
that aim to lower the investment risk. Zaitoun focuses
on producing environmental friendly vessels with a team
of most innovative professionals who continue to shape
the industry. The culture of the consortium plays a huge
emphasis on safety, diversity and high ethical standards
in order to establish an economical and efficient fleet of
vessels for more probability.
Thus, it is clear that significant steps in the right direction
would have to be taken; and a robust, progressive and
equitable framework established to implement LNG fully
in the sector complying to IMO regulations. The availability
of most convenient fuel infrastructure in terms
of climate and IMO compliance, quality & pricing will be
the privilege for ports & terminals to attract the shipping
lines..
74 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018