What does Green Shipping mean for the shipping industry?

Green shipping. What does it actually mean? It certainly marks a turning point for the entire maritime industry. The term describes the shift towards more sustainable shipping. Among other things, this shift is driven by international climate targets, stricter emissions regulations and the need to use energy and fuel more efficiently.

However, this development cannot be reduced to a single technology. Depending on the area of application, different propulsion concepts come into play. These include alternative fuels as well as fully electric or hybrid propulsion systems. Which concept makes sense depends on the specific vessel and its operational profile. Ferries or workboats operating over short distances with regular layovers can already benefit from electric or hybrid propulsion systems today. The situation is different on the high seas. Energy requirements are significantly higher and place different demands on the propulsion system.

At the same time, however, hybridisation is also changing the design of modern propulsion systems. In addition to the internal combustion engine and gearbox, further components are being added, such as an electric motor, battery system, power electronics and the associated control and management systems. Each of these components fulfils its own specific functio but the real challenge lies in combining them into a reliably functioning overall system.

This also shifts the focus away from discussions about battery capacities or electric ranges. Instead, shipyards, ship designers and owners are primarily concerned with the integration of these systems. The individual components must be coordinated, tested and subsequently operated reliably.

The requirements vary depending on the area of application. The needs of a ferry differ from those of a yacht. Also, a shipowner may asses a propulsion system differently from a designer or engine manufacturer.

However, they all have one thing in common: as hybridisation progresses, the effort required for integration increases. These differing perspectives are the focus of a series that begins with this article in the run-up to SMM. At the world’s leading maritime trade fair in Hamburg, REINTJES will be presenting a world first.