Articles tagged with "sustainable-shipping"
Nuclear reactors may soon power offshore construction vessels
The NuProShip II research project, led by VARD (a Fincantieri Group subsidiary), has demonstrated the technical feasibility of integrating small fourth-generation nuclear reactors into offshore dynamic positioning (DP) construction vessels. The project developed a concept design based on an existing vessel, incorporating a helium gas-cooled nuclear reactor as the primary power source. This design meets stringent safety and redundancy standards required for DP2 and potentially DP3 power architectures, promising enhanced operational safety, reliability, and emissions-free power for extended offshore operations without the need for refueling. The study also explored advanced energy storage options like supercritical CO2 turbines and thermal batteries to complement nuclear power. In addition to technical validation, NuProShip II addressed radiological safety, containment, and risk management to meet civilian nuclear regulations, emphasizing transparency and public acceptance. The initiative, funded by the Research Council of Norway, reflects the country's commitment to sustainable maritime innovation and will conclude in 2026. Post-completion, research will continue under the
energynuclear-poweroffshore-vesselsmaritime-innovationclean-energynuclear-reactorssustainable-shippingWorld’s largest: 426-foot-long electric ship begins harbor trials
Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has begun harbor trials for Hull 096, a 426-foot (130-meter) vessel recognized as the world’s largest battery-electric ship. Conducted on the River Derwent in Hobart, these trials mark the first time the aluminum-framed ship has moved under its own battery-electric power, testing its propulsion, handling, and systems in real-world conditions. Hull 096 is powered by over 5,000 batteries with a combined capacity of 40 MWh—four times the battery power of any previous maritime vessel—and features eight electric waterjets. Designed to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, it aims to operate on a zero-emission basis along the Rio de la Plata route between Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The ferry, which took over two years to develop, is expected to reach speeds exceeding 25 knots during trials and has an operational battery endurance of approximately 90 minutes at cruising speed, sufficient for its one
energyelectric-shipbattery-electric-propulsionsustainable-shippingmaritime-technologyelectric-motorszero-emission-vesselNew Passenger & Car Ferry From Incat Is 100% Electric - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the launch of Hull 096, a groundbreaking 130-meter twin-hull fast ferry built by Incat Tasmania for South American ferry operator Buquebus. Scheduled to operate between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay, this vessel is claimed to be the largest all-electric ferry in the world. Featuring a lightweight aluminum hull and a roll-on/roll-off (RoPax) design, Hull 096 can carry 2,100 passengers and crew along with 225 cars, and includes a large duty-free shop. It operates on 100% battery-electric propulsion with 40 MWh of batteries supplied by Norwegian company Corvus Energy, making its energy storage system the largest ever installed for maritime transport. The ferry’s water jet propulsion system, powered by eight electric motors from Wärtsilä, enables it to reach speeds of 25 knots, significantly faster than conventional ferries. This vessel represents a major milestone in maritime electrification, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale
energyelectric-ferrybattery-electric-propulsionclean-transportationmaritime-energysustainable-shippingaluminum-hull-materials'World's largest' suction sail for cargo ships fitted in Spain with 7x lift
A Spanish sailmaker, bound4blue, has installed the world's largest suction sail on a working cargo ship, the Fluvius Tavy, at the Astander Shipyard in Santander, Spain. The 72.2-foot (22-meter) eSAIL wind propulsion system uses aerodynamic suction to generate lift up to seven times greater than conventional rigid sails and operates autonomously, adjusting to wind conditions without crew input. This installation marks the second for Dutch maritime service provider Amasus Shipping, following a prior fitting on the Eems Traveller, and highlights the growing acceptance of wind-assisted propulsion as a practical and profitable solution for reducing fuel consumption and emissions in commercial shipping. The retrofit was completed efficiently during the vessel’s scheduled maintenance, involving structural and electrical modifications to support the sail. Manufactured by Haizea-Tecnoaranda in Spain, the system is forecasted to deliver significant double-digit reductions in fuel use and CO2 emissions. The project underscores Spain’s expanding role in advanced maritime engineering and
energyrenewable-energywind-propulsionmaritime-technologyemissions-reductionautonomous-systemssustainable-shippingWorld’s largest electric ship finishes first battery-powered sea trial
Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania has completed the first battery-powered sea trial of Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric vessel, on December 14, 2025, in Hobart. The 130-meter ferry, designed to carry 2,100 passengers and over 220 vehicles, operates using the largest battery-electric propulsion system ever installed in a maritime vessel. Its Energy Storage System (ESS) includes over 250 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries with a capacity exceeding 40 megawatt-hours—four times greater than any previous maritime battery installation. The ship’s eight electric water jets are powered by this system, enabling a 90-minute river crossing during the trial. Cooling is managed by air-cooled fans assigned to each battery module, and a dedicated charging infrastructure will allow full battery recharge in about 40 minutes. This milestone positions Tasmania as a leader in sustainable shipbuilding, showcasing a shift toward clean-energy maritime technology. The vessel, built for South American ferry operator Buquebus
energybattery-electric-shipmaritime-technologylithium-ion-batteriessustainable-shippingenergy-storage-systemelectric-propulsionWind Power Gets The Last Laugh As Trump Sails Into The Sunset
The article "Wind Power Gets The Last Laugh As Trump Sails Into The Sunset" highlights the resilience and growing momentum of wind power, particularly in maritime applications, despite former US President Donald Trump’s opposition to offshore wind turbines. While Trump’s efforts slowed domestic offshore wind development, global progress continues robustly, with the shipping industry increasingly embracing wind power as a viable decarbonization strategy. New technologies and innovations, including those inspired by aerospace and racing yacht designs, are driving this resurgence. A key example is the UK company GT Wings, which developed the “AirWing,” a compact wind-harvesting device based on “Jet Sail Technology.” This innovation promises significant fuel savings—10–30% for retrofitted ships and up to 50% for new vessels. Supported by multiple grants totaling over £5 million, including a recent £1 million award from the UK government and private investments led by Norwegian maritime firm Grieg Kapital, GT Wings is advancing toward large-scale commercial deployment. The company
energywind-powermaritime-technologyrenewable-energydecarbonizationoffshore-windsustainable-shippingHuge Cargo Sailing Ship Completes Voyage Across Atlantic - CleanTechnica
The Neoliner Origin, touted as the world’s largest cargo sailing ship at 136 meters (about 446 feet), recently completed a transatlantic voyage from France to the US. Despite sustaining damage to its semi-rigid sails during the journey, which necessitated the use of motors, the ship successfully delivered cargo including wheeled machinery, a boat, and luxury goods such as bottles of champagne and cognac. Under normal conditions, the sails would provide the main propulsion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 80% or more. The vessel, capable of carrying about 5,300 tons of goods at a cruising speed of 11 knots, is currently undergoing repairs while offloading cargo at a port in Baltimore, where it is expected to make regular visits on a roughly 28-day rotation. The Neoliner project has attracted support from several French luxury brands committed to sustainability, including Rémy Cointreau, which shipped over 11,000 bottles of its Telmont champagne aboard the
energyclean-energysustainable-shippingcarbon-emissions-reductionmaritime-transportgreen-technologyenvironmental-impactDutch firm installs first full-scale solar system on seagoing ship
Dutch clean energy company Wattlab has installed the world’s first full-scale solar energy system on a seagoing cargo vessel, marking a significant advancement in sustainable shipping. The system was fitted on the 7,280 dwt diesel-electric cargo ship MV Vertom Tula, owned by Vertom Group, at the Port of Harlingen. The installation, completed in a single day due to the modular design, includes 44 Solar Flatracks delivering about 79 kWp of solar power—enough to cover roughly 20% of the ship’s hotel load, which powers onboard systems like lighting, navigation, and air conditioning. The Solar Flatracks are designed for quick installation and removal using standard container fittings, allowing flexibility for cargo operations. Tested over three years in harsh coastal conditions and validated by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), the system demonstrated reliable power generation and structural integrity. The project, co-financed by the European Union’s Just Transition Fund, aims to reduce
energysolar-powerrenewable-energymaritime-technologysustainable-shippingclean-energymarine-solar-systemUS Intimidation Leaves Future of Shipping Uncertain But Appetite for Green Future Remains - CleanTechnica
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has postponed the vote to adopt the landmark Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by one year, delaying the decision until October 2026. This delay resulted from pressure and obstruction tactics by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, undermining years of progress on the IMO’s climate plan. The postponement risks the framework not coming into force until 2030, prolonging uncertainty in the shipping sector’s decarbonization efforts. Despite the setback, there remains strong global interest in advancing a greener shipping industry. Environmental groups emphasize the need for climate-ambitious countries to build a coalition supporting meaningful emission reductions, rather than allowing geopolitical interests to stall progress. The additional time before adoption is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the NZF by incorporating clear incentives for scalable green e-fuels and safeguards against biofuel-driven deforestation. Meanwhile, the European Union is urged to continue enhancing its own regional policies on shipping emissions
energygreen-shippingmaritime-emissionsnet-zero-frameworkclean-energysustainable-shippingclimate-actionIsland Ports Enable Long-Distance Electric Shipping - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explores the feasibility and benefits of electrifying long-distance container shipping using battery technology, particularly focusing on island ports as enablers for electric shipping routes. It highlights that at current battery prices around US$100/kWh, electrification is economical for intraregional shipping routes under 1,500 km, with minimal cargo capacity loss. Factoring in environmental costs extends this economical range to 5,000 km, and further battery price reductions to US$50/kWh could nearly double that range. The article emphasizes that electrification could cover over 40% of global container ship traffic within this decade, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution impacts on coastal communities. A key innovation discussed is the use of standardized, swappable battery containers (TEUs) that can be charged on land at transshipment ports and then loaded onto ships, enabling flexible energy supply without lengthy in-transit recharging. This approach is already demonstrated by COSCO container ships and could facilitate longer
energyelectric-shippingbattery-electrificationclean-energymaritime-transportsustainable-shippingbattery-technologyGreen Shipping Fuel Producers Call on IMO to Seize "Once-in-a-Generation" Opportunity - CleanTechnica
A coalition of 27 leading green fuel producers, including European Energy, Liquid Wind, ET Fuels, HIF Global, and Zero Waste, is urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt its recently agreed Net Zero Framework (NZF) and to implement specific incentives for green hydrogen-based e-fuels. These producers emphasize that e-fuels offer significantly greater emissions reductions compared to alternatives like LNG and first-generation biofuels, yet currently face a competitive disadvantage due to a lack of targeted policy support. The group highlights the global scope of their projects, spanning Africa, the Americas, Europe, South Asia, and Oceania, underscoring the broad potential impact of supportive IMO policies. Dr. Alison Shaw, IMO manager at Transport & Environment (T&E), stressed the need for policy certainty to enable the scaling of green shipping fuels. She warned that without dedicated incentives, the energy transition in shipping risks stalling, as e-fuels compete against cheaper but less sustainable options such as fossil gas
energygreen-fuele-fuelsIMO-Net-Zero-Frameworkhydrogen-fuelsustainable-shippingdecarbonizationGiant 114-foot wind sails to propel 325,000-deadweight-ton cargo ship
Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based wind propulsion developer, has installed four large rotor sails on the 325,000 deadweight-ton very large ore carrier (VLOC) Grand Pioneer, operated by Taiwan’s U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation. The 114-foot-tall, 16-foot-diameter sails were installed at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China and are designed to harness wind power via the Magnus effect, generating thrust that reduces the ship’s fuel consumption and emissions. This installation marks a significant step in U-Ming’s commitment to decarbonizing shipping and improving sustainability on long-haul routes, specifically between Brazil and China. The rotor sails, delivered fully assembled and installed using a plug-and-play method, are expected to reduce annual fuel use and emissions by 10 to 12 percent during deep-sea operations. The sails also feature a folding design for operational flexibility in ports and under bridges. Anemoi’s team supervised the installation and accompanied the vessel on
energywind-propulsionmarine-technologydecarbonizationfuel-efficiencysustainable-shippingrenewable-energyGermany's icebreaker to get largest ever 360-degree propulsion system
Germany’s research icebreaker Polarstern is undergoing a significant upgrade featuring the largest-ever 360-degree azimuth propulsion system to enhance its polar exploration capabilities sustainably. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the new propulsion setup includes two massive 160 PULL ARC LM azimuth thrusters with 4.8-meter diameter blades, each generating nine megawatts of power. Complementing these rotating propellers is a 5.4-meter five-bladed fixed pitch stainless steel propeller, creating a dual-mode propulsion system that balances powerful icebreaking with precise maneuverability. This advanced system is developed through a collaboration between the Alfred Wegener Institute, shipbuilder TKMS, and Finnish companies Wärtsilä, Steerprop, and Aker Arctic. The vessel’s propulsion will be powered by Wärtsilä main engines capable of producing 33.1 megawatts of diesel-electric power, with two engines featuring dual-fuel capability to run on both diesel and green meth
energyhybrid-propulsiongreen-methanolazimuth-propulsion-systemicebreaker-technologymarine-engineeringsustainable-shippingMassive 123-foot wind wings to propel giant tankers and slash CO2
The article discusses the pioneering installation of BAR Technologies' WindWings propulsion system on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, Suzuka and Long Beach, marking one of the first large-scale wind-assisted propulsion deployments for this vessel class. Each 820-foot tanker will be equipped with two 123-foot WindWings, designed using Bernoulli’s principle, aiming to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The project, involving design by Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute and construction by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry, follows successful integration of the system on a smaller tanker, Brands Hatch. Construction is set to begin in November 2025, with delivery expected in early 2027. The WindWings system is projected to save about three tons of fuel daily per vessel, cutting approximately 2,300 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to removing over 500 passenger cars from the road. This supports early compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s 2030 targets for greenhouse
energywind-powermaritime-technologysustainable-shippingcarbon-emissions-reductiondual-fuel-tankersrenewable-energyWind-powered cargo ship hits 99.6% use, cuts 20 tons CO2 daily
The Canopée cargo ship, the world’s first hybrid electric and thermal-powered industrial vessel equipped with four automated OceanWings vertical sails, has successfully completed two years of continuous operation transporting Ariane 6 rocket parts between Europe and French Guiana. This pioneering wind-assisted propulsion system has demonstrated significant real-world fuel savings, averaging 5.2 tons daily, equivalent to about 1,200 kW of engine power saved. Each wingsail contributes roughly 1.3 tons of daily fuel savings, translating to over 20.8 tons of CO2 emissions avoided per day. The system has achieved an impressive 99.6% operational availability, underscoring its reliability and efficiency in commercial shipping. The Canopée’s performance highlights the potential of wind propulsion as a practical solution to reduce the maritime sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, which currently account for 3% of global emissions despite shipping transporting 90% of goods worldwide. On recent transatlantic voyages, the ship recorded even higher
energyhybrid-powerwind-propulsioncarbon-emissions-reductionmaritime-technologysustainable-shippingOceanWingsIMO’s Crucial Moment: How Shipping Finally Started Tackling Climate Change - CleanTechnica
The article centers on a conversation with Tristan Smith, a maritime decarbonization expert and director of UMAS, discussing recent progress by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in addressing climate change through shipping. Smith’s background in defense engineering shifted toward maritime decarbonization about 15 years ago, leading him to work extensively on policy, technology, and corporate behavior related to reducing shipping emissions. His leadership in the 2014 IMO greenhouse gas study helped establish credibility and influence within the IMO, enabling him to advise member states on climate policy for shipping. Smith explains the distinction between domestic and international shipping emissions, noting that domestic emissions fall under individual countries’ jurisdiction and are included in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC. In contrast, international shipping emissions—occurring on the high seas—are regulated by the IMO. These emissions are significant, estimated at about one gigaton of CO₂ equivalent annually, with operational CO₂ alone around 700 million tons. The
energymaritime-decarbonizationclimate-changeshipping-fuelsInternational-Maritime-Organizationcarbon-pricingsustainable-shippingWorld's biggest electric ferry to connect Finland and Estonia by the 2030s
Finnish shipping company Viking Line has unveiled plans for Helios, the world’s largest fully electric passenger-car ferry, designed to operate emission-free between Helsinki and Tallinn by the 2030s. Measuring 640 feet long and 98 feet wide, Helios will carry up to 2,000 passengers, 650 cars, and two kilometers of freight. Powered entirely by batteries with a capacity of 85 to 100 megawatt-hours—several times larger than any existing passenger ship’s battery—the ferry will complete the 43-nautical-mile crossing in just over two hours at 23 knots. The vessel will recharge at ports using over 30 MWh of power per docking, supported by infrastructure upgrades underway at the Port of Helsinki. Helios is part of the FIN-EST Green Corridor initiative, aiming to establish a fully emission-free maritime route between Finland and Estonia. Viking Line, which has a history of maritime innovation including LNG/biogas-powered Viking Grace and the climate-smart Viking Glory, plans to order two such electric ships to double capacity on this busy route. Passenger traffic between Helsinki’s West Harbor and Tallinn is projected to more than double by 2040, with cargo volumes also rising significantly. Viking Line’s CEO Jan Hanses emphasized that emission-free technology is essential to meet growing demand while complying with tightening EU emissions regulations and rising carbon costs, marking a new era in sustainable maritime transport.
energyelectric-ferrymaritime-transportbattery-technologysustainable-shippinggreen-energyemission-free-transportationDutch firm eyes nuclear power propulsion for greener cargo fleet
energynuclear-propulsioncarbon-emissionssmall-modular-reactorsoffshore-vesselssustainable-shippingdecarbonizationGlobal Ferry Electrification Accelerates: 70% Of New Orders Go Electric
electric-ferriesmaritime-electrificationclean-transportationbattery-systemsdecarbonizationsustainable-shippinggreen-technology