In the quest to clean up the maritime industry, a significant hurdle has been tackled by researchers at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Nikolaos P. Ventikos, a professor at the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, has led a study that sheds light on the power and energy demands of ships while they’re stuck at anchor. This isn’t just about cutting emissions; it’s about opening up new commercial avenues and making the maritime sector more sustainable.
So, what’s the big deal about ships at anchor? Well, when ships are waiting at anchorages, they can’t plug into shore power. This means they have to run their auxiliary engines and boilers, burning fuel and spewing out emissions. According to Ventikos, “ships spend up to 9% of their time waiting at anchorage emitting CO2 while running auxiliary engines and boilers, which consume up to 10–15% of fuel.” That’s a lot of wasted energy and pollution, especially when you consider that these emissions are often right next to coastal communities.
The solution? Offshore power supply systems, like power barges. These floating power stations can provide electricity to ships at anchor, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. But to make these systems work, you need to know exactly how much power and energy ships need. That’s where Ventikos’ study comes in.
The research, published in the journal ‘Energies’ (translated from Latin as ‘Energies’), collected and analyzed data from various ports and ship types to define power and energy demands at anchorages. The findings provide baselines for different ship types and ports, which can be used to design and configure power modules for offshore power supply solutions.
So, what does this mean for the maritime industry? For starters, it’s a significant step towards decarbonization. By providing power to ships at anchor, you can cut down on emissions and fuel use, making the industry more sustainable. But it’s not just about being green. There are commercial opportunities here too.
Power barges, for instance, can be a lucrative business. They can provide power to ships at anchor, but they can also support the national electricity grid during outages or in isolated areas. Plus, they can be used to extend existing shore-side electricity systems in ports. It’s a win-win for both the environment and the economy.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. There are challenges to overcome, like technology readiness and investment incentives. However, with studies like Ventikos’ paving the way, the maritime industry is one step closer to a cleaner, more efficient future.
For maritime professionals, this research is a call to action. It’s time to start thinking about how to integrate offshore power supply systems into your operations. It’s time to start thinking about how to make the maritime industry more sustainable, one anchored ship at a time.
