Image:for reference only
Clarksons Research, a prominent maritime analysis firm, has forewarned that approximately 30% of ships are on the brink of urgent action in the quest for a greener future. Despite a surge in green technology adoption in 2023 ship orders, these vessels face the prospect of being classified as D or E under the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) assessment, demanding immediate or near-future remedial measures.
Aging Fleet Raises Environmental Concerns
The recently released Green Technology Tracker by Clarksons sheds light on the concerning aging trend within the global fleet. The average age has surged to 12.6 years in gross tonnage, a substantial increase from the 2013 low of 9.7 years. What’s even more alarming is that 32% of the global tonnage now surpasses 15 years in age, setting the stage for potential environmental challenges in the near future.
CII Framework Projections Sound an Alarm
Clarksons’ analysts project that nearly half of today’s tanker, bulk carrier, and container fleets (45%) will face a D or E rating under the CII framework by 2026 if they continue trading without modifications. This underscores the urgent need for ship owners to implement measures to mitigate the environmental impact of their vessels, emphasizing the impending necessity for sustainable actions.
Record Orders for Green Technology in 2023
Despite the challenges, 2023 emerges as a pivotal year in the maritime industry’s decarbonization journey. According to Steve Gordon, the Global Head of Research at Clarksons, a remarkable 49% of the current orderbook tonnage comprises alternative-fuel capable vessels. Leading the pack are LNG dual fuel vessels with 220 orders, closely followed by methanol dual-fuel vessels with 125 orders.
Varied Uptake Across Sectors
Container ships are at the forefront of adopting alternative fuels, with 83% of 2023 orders possessing this capability and a staggering 94% including those with a ‘ready’ status. Car carriers also exhibit substantial commitment, with 79% incorporating alternative fuel capabilities (98% with ‘ready’ status). However, the enthusiasm among dry bulk and tanker owners is comparatively lower, reflecting a diversified approach within the industry.
Rise of Energy Saving Technologies
Clarkson’s data indicates a significant shift towards energy-saving technologies, with ‘eco’ vessels constituting 32% of the tonnage in service. Notably, the VLCC and Capesize sectors boast around 50% of vessels featuring substantial energy-saving features. Globally, over 7,295 ships now integrate energy-saving technologies, including 47 equipped with wind propulsion. Carbon capture technology finds its place on over 30 existing vessels, with 22 more on order.
Continuous Scrubber Uptake and Ballast Water Management
The maritime industry witnesses an ongoing surge in the adoption of SOx scrubbers, with over 5,590 ships, including planned retrofits, equipped with this technology, equivalent to 27% of the fleet capacity. In 2023 alone, 420 vessels underwent retrofitting, and 231 new ships were ordered with scrubbers. Additionally, Clarksons estimates that more than 80% of the world fleet has now implemented ballast water management systems.
As the maritime sector grapples with the imperative of embracing sustainability, the industry’s commitment to green technologies is evident. However, the challenges posed by aging vessels and impending CII assessments underscore the need for proactive and immediate action to ensure a greener and more sustainable future.
Source:Seatrade Maritime Paul Bartlett
