Decarbonisation: building a circular economy in shipbuilding

Speaking ahead of the Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2024, being held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands 24-25 September, Meyer Group programme manager for sustainability Gijs Streppel explains how to build circularity and efficiency into the ships of the future.

Specialising in constructing advanced vessels, including cruise ships, the company has recently turned its focus towards sustainability, a priority underscored by Mr Streppel’s upcoming presentation. Mr Streppel will explore the realistic pathways for creating a circular carbon economy within the shipping industry.

At the heart of Meyer Group’s sustainable initiatives is the development of the eco-cabin, a project that integrates state-of-the-art technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Mr Streppel explains, "The first step in innovating a cabin design regarding sustainability is defining the different targets of innovation. Besides energy flow during the use of a cabin, production and refitting also have a direct impact on the environmental footprint."

This comprehensive approach ensures sustainability considerations permeate all aspects of the cabin’s lifecycle.

One of the key features of the eco-cabin is using solar panels integrated into balcony balustrades, designed to power decentralised air conditioning systems.

"To make a cabin more self-sufficient, energy shall be provided to a decentralised air conditioning system, integrated into a cabin. Balcony cabins have the potential to harvest solar energy," Mr Streppel elaborates.

The adoption of a direct current electrical system further optimises energy efficiency by minimising losses, which, combined with potential battery storage solutions, enhance the overall energy independence of the cabins.

In addressing the question of how future ship designs can enable a circular carbon economy, Mr Streppel will discuss Meyer Group’s broader strategies to incorporate circular economy principles. This includes a focus on material circularity, aiming to recycle and reuse materials across the lifecycle of a ship.

The company’s approach also involves optimising energy use through innovative systems such as the Meyer energy monitoring system (MEMS), which employs artificial intelligence to provide detailed insights and optimisation strategies for energy consumption on board.

As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, Mr Streppel will highlight three promising technologies poised to revolutionise the sector.

The first is advanced system monitoring and optimisation, such as MEMS, which allows for comprehensive data analysis and efficiency improvements. The second involves adopting alternative, non-fossil fuels such as e-methanol, coupled with integrating fuel cells and battery systems, which are essential for reducing the reliance on traditional marine fuels.

Lastly, the widespread installation of cold ironing equipment, enabling ships to connect to onshore power sources while docked, offers a significant reduction in local emissions when paired with renewable energy sources.

Mr Streppel’s presentation will also explore the challenges and opportunities presented by evolving legislation such as the EU’s Fit for 55 initiative. This regulatory framework is critical in supporting the industry’s transition toward more sustainable practices, though it also introduces new complexities and risks related to compliance with emerging standards.