11 LMM V I S I O N ISSUE 20 | Q1 2025 SEAFARERS’ INTERVIEW GS: Yes of course, the emission control areas are created to reduce the emissions during shipping, leading to cleaner air and improved the environmental proception. The reduction of emissions is achieved through the reduction of SOx & NOx with the use of low sulfur fuels (MGO, LNG, LPG etc.). Also promoting cleaner technologies like Dual Fuel Engines, Scrubber and biofuels. BS: Yes, the adoption of the proposed Med SOX ECA will result in significant reduction in ambient levels of air pollution in the Mediterranean Sea and its coastal States which means substantial benefit to human health and environment. This will also contribute to the improvement of environmental sustainability and protect global ecosystem now and in the future. PF: Yes, ECAs have significantly contributed to the reduction of air pollutant emissions from ships. Their impact can be observed in the following ways: ●● Reduction in SOx Emissions: The mandatory use of low-sulphur fuels has drastically reduced sulphur dioxide emissions, which are a major contributor to acid rain and respiratory issues in humans. ●● Improved Air Quality in Coastal Areas: Many port cities and coastal zones have reported measurable improvements in air quality following the implementation of ECAs. ●● Encouragement of Cleaner Technologies: The ECA framework incentivizes investment in emissions-reducing technologies such as scrubbers, LNG propulsion, and advanced engine designs. ●● Global Alignment: ECAs serve as a model for stricter environmental regulations worldwide, reinforcing the IMO’s goal of reducing maritime emissions. What challenges would you identify on a tanker vessel that would consume alternate fuel (e.g. LNG, biofuels)? ND: I strongly believe alternative fuels for vessels are hot topic right now. Tanker vessels using alternate fuels like LNG or Biofuels surely face several challenges. These challenges emphasize the complexity of transitioning to alternate fuels in the maritime industry. In my point of view, a major challenge that may arise is regarding technical issues. Alternate fuels require specific storage and handling systems, which may demand modifications to tanker infrastructure. This includes specialized storage, additional handling requirements and tanker engines compatibility which may need to be modified or adapted to operate efficiently with LNG or biofuels. Another challenge that may arise is the training and crew expertise. Specialized training and procedures are needed for crew members to handle this new trend, modified or adapted to operate efficiently with LNG or biofuels. GS: The challenges a vessel consuming alternate fuel are the fuel handling and storage, fuel properties, availability, fuel cost, engine and infrastructure compatibility, equipment cost. Also, all the crew members need to be trained on the safe operation and maintenance of engine using alternative fuels. PG: Using alternate fuel LNG or Biofuels on tanker vessel present several technical, operational, economic, and regulatory challenges. From a technical standpoint for LNG, there are fuel storage and handling, boil of gas management, engine compatibility and cryogenic material fatigue. For Biofuels, fuel variability, storage stability and material compatibility. The operational challenges are crew training, fuel availability, logistics and fuel segregation. Economically, the biofuel cost is a challenge itself. Lastly, complying with IMO and local regulations, Class approval, fuel specification uncertainty, Methane slip for LNG, biofuel sustainability and fire/explosion risk are also some of the issues a tanker vessel consuming alternate fuel would face.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxOTY2