Energy Efficiency on Board discussion at SMM 2024

Jose Gonzalez, Senior Director Sustainability, Europe, CLIA, hosted a panel discussion on “Energy Efficiency on Board Cruise Ships”, which featured four high profile speakers:  Christoph Schladör, VP Decarbonisation Carnival Maritime,  Maria Garbarini Head of Passenger Ships Excellence Centre RINA SpA, Mathilde Bergerskogen Technical Sales Support Specialist ABB and Michele Francioni Chief Energy Transition Officer MSC Cruises.

The new regulations and decarbonization goals put forward by the IMO are driving all marine stakeholders to find suitable solutions to decrease the environmental footprint of ships. One of the solutions already available is to keep the optimal energy efficiency standards aboard the ships. Energy efficiency encompasses different technologies and strategies, some of which are well known for the shipping industry.  The discussion focused on technologies and strategies that can be applied nowadays to improve the performance and decrease emissions of the cruise industry. During the session a range of solutions and strategies was covered such as route optimization, installation of fuel-efficient propulsion systems and energy management systems, ensuring the audience gained a thorough understanding of each technology solution, and its benefits.

It was evident that there is a wide range of options that can be applied, but two gained the attention of the panel discussion: VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) and Biofouling. VFDS are a type of controller that drives and controls an electric motor, and by varying the frequency and voltage supply, it tunes the electric motor power delivery to the power demand; this way, it reduces the power consumption. Biofouling is the undesired accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small organisms on surfaces in contact with water; ships spend almost their entire operational life afloat favoring the creation of biological layers (biofilm) and macrofouling populations in different areas of the ship, not only in the hull but other niche areas like sea chests and bow thruster tunnels. The consequence is mainly reflected in additional dragging, loss of thermal performance, economic losses and environmental impact. The panelists recognized biofouling as an important issue and shared some ideas like the use of data to support energy efficiency strategies able to deal with the biofouling problem.

But none of these technologies could be properly applied and managed if we do not keep a crew centred approach; and this is an aspect that the panellists also raised during the session. We acknowledge that the role of engineering and deck departments is vital, but the role of other crew members is also crucial to improve the energy efficiency of a cruise ship. Sustainable shipping requires a broad range of skills and competencies for seafarers to ensure safe and environmentally friendly ship operations – adopting the most up to date technologies and strategies will not boost the energy efficiency of the ship if the crew is out of the loop.

This is an aspect also highlighted in the recent skills report launched by CLIA “An Ocean of Opportunities”, which can be viewed here: link.