b'It does have its benefits and the team is working on a couple of proj- Looking ahead, technologies will continue to advance, infrastructure ects where methanol is the fuel.will expand, and operators will be able to evolve their fleets to be ever more efficient and environmentally friendly. We asked EBDG and In-Incat Crowther also has designs solutions in the works using methanol.cat Crowther what they see moving forward for propulsion systems in Their timetable has most of these coming online from 2027 onwardsthe passenger vessel industry.as fuel availability grows. According to their team, most of the metha-nol-powered vessels right now use medium-speed engines, with high- EBDG shared a few trends they expect in the coming years. First, they speed engines set to come online in the future.noted that energy use must be carefully examined. Waterhouse point-ed out that vessels may slow down because one or two knots of speed can significantly increase energy demand. Design factors in as well The approach to with hull designs expected to be improved to save two or three percent in resistance. HVAC system operating points will be adjusted to reduce the heating or cooling loads. Similar advancements are likely to be seen reducing emissions in thein all equipment with the goals of increasing efficiency and better matching output to requirements. Constantly running pumps or fans marine industry shouldwill be replaced with variable frequency drives and smart controls.Next, Waterhouse said that electricity will be prominent. He expects focus on the right goals,to see diesel-powered bow thrusters or winches replaced with high efficiency electric motors, propulsion motors powering propellers or thrusters, and that switchgear will control and coordinate the power processes, and partners. sources and power consumers.Energy storage will be key moving forward. Waterhouse said that to better match output to demand, energy storage systems will provide peak power A recent article in Seatrade Maritime News noted a survey in the ship- requirements or absorb excess energy production. Where possible, vessels ping industry that showed some companies may diversify their fleets inwill plug into the electric grid to store up energy from renewable sources.terms of fuel sources. The passenger vessel industry is a radically differ-ent industry, but there could be room for a large enough operation toFinally, Waterhouse predicted that there will be a mix of fuel types. consider utilizing a mix of propulsion methods. Incat Crowther notedOver the next 20 years he sees a transition from diesel as the dominant that the choice for a ships propulsion is case-by-case as it needs to befuel type to a mix of fuels by region and application. There will be tailored to the route and operational requirements of that specific ves- internal combustion engines burning methanol, ammonia, or biofu-sel. Only then can operators gain efficiencies and reduce maintenanceels, he said. Efficient fuel cells will use renewable hydrogen created costs once their ship is deployed. by hydro or solar power. Nuclear fuels will play a role in long haul ocean-going container ships or possibly cruise ships. While most operators may prefer to standardize their fleets to simplify crew training, maintenance practices, safety procedures, and supplyThe team at Incat Crowther expects that, in line with the Paris climate chains, EBDGs Waterhouse stated that depending on the operation,agreement, the shipping industry will continue to drive for reductions a mix of technologies may be necessary. He offered the Alaska Marinein emissions. They believe operators will seek out energy savings, in-Highway System as an example. The system operates on some extreme- cluding hull-design and route optimization on current vessels, and then ly long routes and a few short routes. He suggested that in the futureturn to hybrid, electric, and future fuel-powered propulsion systems. they may have some electric hybrid vessels for the short route vesselsThey said, the approach to reducing emissions in the marine industry and some large vessels using alternative fuels for the long routes. should focus on the right goals, processes, and partners who can deliver a commercial, technically, and environmentally feasible solution.15 MAY 2023'