“Training of seafarers in operating and maintaining Hydrogen-fuelled ships is a crucial aspect of transitioning to green shipping practices. IRS is also developing specific training programs for various alternate fuels for its surveyors and will also be very shortly offering such courses to seafarers,” informs Vijay Arora, Managing Director, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
We have the government as the regulator, then we have the bunker suppliers, shipyards and the ship owners/operators. Are all these parties on the same page with respect to emission compliance and how it is to be achieved step by step?
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Government of India (GOI) has outlined policies towards meeting the climate goals. GOI plays a crucial role in developing policies and creating an enabling environment towards emission reduction and providing frameworks for compliance. Initiatives like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 provide the roadmap for the future developments towards emission reduction.
There is a concerted effort among stakeholders to address emission compliance and transition towards cleaner fuels. Shipyards, shipowners, operators, and other stakeholders in marine business environment all are increasingly recognizing the importance of emission reduction and are taking positive steps in their own way in their areas of business. This includes the adoption of cleaner fuels such as biofuels, and other alternative fuels, investing in technology upgrades to improve fuel efficiency & reduce emissions and building technology demonstration vessels.
Considerations such as cost implications, availability of alternative fuels, technological limitations, and infrastructure availability pose challenges that require collective effort to address which over a period of time will be taken care of.
Other than Cochin shipyard do other shipyards have the capability to manufacture/retrofit ships to operate on green fuels? Do we have all the engine parts available indigenously or do we depend on imports for building green ships?
Several Indian shipyards both public & private sector possess the capability and are actively working towards construction of vessels using alternate fuels.
Regarding the availability of engine parts, while some components are sourced domestically, certain specialized parts may require importation. Efforts are ongoing to enhance domestic production capabilities to support the construction of green ships. Initially it is considered that it could cater to ships being built on battery systems and fuel cells.
How can we attract more green ships being produced to be registered under the Indian flag?
GoI has taken several measures over the years including Financial Assistance Policy, granting of infrastructure status for shipbuilding, disincentivising old ships, accelerating Make in India program, Green Tug Transition Program and amongst other initiatives.
Additionally, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and technology adoption can attract ship owners to register their vessels under the Indian flag.
Among the green fuels available or being tested, which is the most cost efficient and easy to adopt for shipping lines?
Determining the most cost-efficient and easily adoptable green fuel for shipping lines involves assessing various factors such as fuel availability, infrastructure readiness, technological maturity, and regulatory compliance. While several green fuels are being explored, including LNG, ammonia, methanol and biofuels, the optimal choice may vary depending on specific operational requirements and regional considerations.
What is the current cost of compliance for ship owners in using Hydrogen fuel for bunkering as compared to conventional fuels?
The current cost of compliance for ship owners utilizing hydrogen fuel for bunkering compared to conventional fuels involves multiple variables, including fuel procurement costs, infrastructure investment, regulatory compliance expenses, and operational efficiency gains. As hydrogen fuel infrastructure and technology mature, cost differentials are expected to evolve, potentially narrowing the gap between conventional and hydrogen-based fuels. The initial focus will be on mandatory requirements hence the cost is likely to be high which will subsequently reduce as the market matures.
What is the current scenario of training to seafarers in operating and maintaining hydrogen fuelled ships?
The training of seafarers in operating and maintaining hydrogen-fuelled ships is a crucial aspect of transitioning to green shipping practices. Currently, initiatives are underway by various training institutes to develop specialized training programs and courses tailored to the unique requirements of alternative fuels. These programs aim to equip seafarers with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure safe and efficient operation while adhering to stringent safety protocols and regulatory standards required by alternative fuels. IRS is also developing specific training programs for various alternate fuels for our surveyors and will also be very shortly offering such courses to seafarers.
