ABS calls for digital tech to accelerate fuel transition

Gmec, which was held at this year’s SMM exhibition and conference, comes just weeks ahead of the crucial Maritime Environment Protection Committee meeting at which the IMO is expected to plan its medium-term measures for the industry, including deciding on a market-based measure for carbon charging.

“Fuels continue to be critical but while we wait for the infrastructure to be developed and rolled out globally, the immediate challenge is safely delivering sustainability advances as practical solutions today,” ABS President and COO John McDonald told gmec.

McDonald pointed to the evolving digital engineering capabilities which combine real time data, with digital twins and condition-based programmes that will increase individual vessel efficiency.

“When you combine this capability with the huge potential of Starlink, the low Earth orbit (LEO) network of satellites from Space X offering unprecedented streaming speeds in the deep ocean, with artificial intelligence capabilities, it’s a game changer,” added the COO.

Starlink allows operators to plug into systems in real time giving indications on the live condition of vessel systems allowing any support to be provided at any time and at any place in the world.

“Ultimately, we are enabling predictive compliance,” explained McDonald.

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As an example of the power of the new technology, McDonald pointed to ABS’s Wavesight software, which McDonald said has delivered more than $15 million in fuel savings across its customers’ fleet.

Average fuel savings were measured at 12.3 tonnes per voyage, which in turn reduces exhaust emissions.

“This smart use of data also leads to improved carbon intensity indicator ratings and enhanced performance under FuelEU Maritime, extending the compliance horizon of an asset as well as its commercial viability,” said McDonald.

Increasing regulatory loads will mean that operators will progressively rely more on digital support that will allow maritime professionals to make “quicker and smarter” decisions.

New technologies and new methods of working will require training of the men and women who are tasked with implementing the new tech.

“Clearly, the coming generation of seafarers will need to acquire a range of new skills and competencies, and the industry will need to invest in their training. This needs a coordinated approach, involving industry, regulators, and training providers, to ensure that seafarers are adequately prepared for the changes ahead.  This will be key to achieving the potential for operational efficiency and emissions gains offered by these technologies,” explained McDonald.

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Progress towards a cleaner industry must be made today while maritime waits for low carbon fuels to be delivered at the scale necessary to substantially reduce shipping’s environmental impact.

That progress will be made through a “combination of advanced data analytics, high-speed low-latency satcoms and AI-powered digital tools that is proving to be a powerful and practical solution and a big step toward a safer, cleaner shipping industry,” concluded McDonald.