Introducing efficient tugs, IMO Tier III engines, alternative fuels and optimising operations will help the DP World subsidiary reduce its environmental footprint
P&O Maritime Logistics (P&OML) has taken a leading role in optimising fleet operations, investing in efficient tugs and implementing digitalisation. The DP World subsidiary provides innovative, advanced logistics solutions to a wide range of clients in multiple regions, especially in the Middle East.
The Dubai, UAE-headquartered fleet owner has set out on a sustainable voyage to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and diminish its environmental footprint. Its newbuild tugs are built with exhaust abatement technology to meet IMO Tier III requirements and efficient propulsion to lower GHG emissions for ship manoeuvring and towage in ports.
P&OML head of projects and business development Matthew Callan says the owner had significant success in its port services in 2023, by renewing towage contracts and achieving milestones in its fleet renewal programme. The company also saw an increase in ship calls requiring towage, mooring and pilotage services across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Several newbuilds were added to its modern, powerful fleet, including azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs and a Multi Cat, reflecting P&OML’s commitment to servicing long-term client requirements.
In 2024, P&OML is focusing on decarbonisation and plans to invest in technologies to lower emissions. “We expect to see a continuation of our fleet renewal and an expansion into other markets,” says Mr Callan. “Decarbonisation is a priority, so we will focus on lowering our emissions by using biofuels in some of our vessels, investing in IMO Tier III engines with selective catalytic reduction, and increasing the use of monitoring systems for optimisation.”
In the UAE, P&OML took delivery of two ASD newbuild tugs from Damen Shipyards to enhance towage in ports, terminals and a key regional shipyard. Al Wasl and Mihaiz were built by Damen to its ASD 2312 design, incorporating twin-fin hulls, a FiFi1 off-ship fire-fighting system, two Caterpillar main engines and Rolls-Royce Aquamaster propulsion, providing an ahead bollard pull of 65 tonnes.
“These compact and powerful tugs will support our UAE ports operations with their excellent manoeuvrability,” says Mr Callan. According to automatic identification system (AIS) data, Mihaiz and Al Wasl were working in Jebel Ali, UAE in Q1 2024.
In 2023, Drydocks World Dubai chief executive Rado Antolovic said Mihaiz is one of two ASD 2312 design tugs it added to the shipyard’s fleet, along with Jumeira 10. These 2023-built tugboats have twin Caterpillar 3512-C engines, an overall length of 23 m, a beam of 12 m, top speed of 12 knots and 70 tonnes of bollard pull. According to AIS, Jumeira 10 was working in Port Rashid, Dubai in Q1 2024.
P&OML added to its towage fleet supporting a DP World container terminal in Cyprus with a new harbour tug built by Uzmar in Turkey to Robert Allan Ltd’s RAmparts 2300 design. P&O Kalypso has two MAN Energy Solutions main engines and Kongsberg azimuth thrusters, a FiFi1 fire-fighting system and a bollard pull of 60 tonnes.
P&OML extended its towage services into the Caribbean by deploying two new tugboats to the Dominican Republic. “Commencing a new operation required us to growth our fleet further with the addition of two newbuild tugs from Sanmar Shipyards,” says Mr Callan.
P&O Carey was built to Robert Allan’s exclusive RAmparts 2400 SXII design, with an overall length of 24 m, a beam of 12 m, a depth of almost 5 m and a draught of 5 m when fully loaded. It was designed with a high level of mechanical automation for a reduced crew, with a top speed of 12.5 knots and more than 80 tonnes of bollard pull.
Sanmar also built P&O Manati to Robert Allan’s TRAktor-Z 2500SX design. The azimuth tractor drive tug handles ships and supports terminal operations. This 25-m vessel has a beam of 12 m, a depth of 5 m and a draught of almost 7 m, plus a speed of 12 knots and a bollard pull of more than 80 tonnes from twin Z-drives.
“Caterpillar main engines and Rolls-Royce Aquamaster propulsion provide bollard pulls in excess of 80 tonnes. Both tugs are equipped with FiFi 1 capabilities,” says Mr Callan.
Sanmar has a long-standing partnership with P&OML. In 2013 and 2014 respectively, Sanmar delivered two 60-tonne Sanmar Bakirçay series ASD tugboats, Bulani and Sereia for P&OML’s operations in Mozambique and, again in 2014, two 45-tonne Doğançay-series twin-screw tugboats, Egal and M Jeex to work for DP World in Somaliland. In 2015, Sanmar delivered Bogacay-series ASD tugboat Shaheen 2020 to work for P&OML in the UAE.
Sustainability pathway
In Q1 2024, P&OML reaffirmed its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040 and generate net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company acknowledges in a whitepaper that decarbonisation efforts depend on the availability of alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, biofuels and hydrogen, and technology development including fuel cells, batteries and nuclear energy.
“Our aspirations extend far beyond business success,” says P&O Maritime Logistics chief executive Martin Helweg. “We are embarking on a transformative journey, carving a sustainable path for the maritime industry’s future. By charting a strategic course that addresses challenges head-on and leverages opportunities, we are not just navigating change; we are leading it.”
Part of this sustainability voyage is navigating the diverse regulatory environment, which presents both challenges and opportunities. P&OML is using internal resources, engaging with regulators and port authorities and nurturing a culture of innovation to reduce its environmental impact. Mr Helweg says it plans to inspire industry players to join this transformative change. “Clear communications, education and engagement form the foundation of the company’s pathway, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.”
Mr Helweg highlighted the need for co-ordinated capacity planning, sustainable practices and openness to new technologies and business models at Riviera Maritime Media’s Offshore Support Journal Middle East Conference in Dubai, on 6 December 2023.
He explained how investing in digitalisation, fuel innovation, operational efficiency gains, and potentially even business model changes, would support industry decarbonisation in a sustainable way. Innovations will centre around alternative fuels, digitalisation and automation for efficiency gains.
Mr Helweg said the energy mix and production patterns will shift towards the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia, and away from Europe. He expects more mergers and acquisitions to occur in 2024, as companies continue seeking distressed vessels to purchase and others look to build their fleets.
P&O Maritime Logistics chief executive Martin Helweg will participate in a panel discussion of Day 1 of the 27th ITS Convention in Dubai, on 21 May
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