Navigating the future: innovation and digitalisation can drive maritime sustainability 

Harnessing technology and cultural changes to drive energy efficiency

Using simulations, this year’s Maritime Forecast to 2050  report by DNV estimates fuel consumption can be reduced by between 4% and 16% by 2030 using energy-efficiency measures.

The first few percentage points can be achieved relatively easily. Many maritime companies have already shown that by instilling cultural changes throughout an organisation, and by encouraging crew members to seek efficiencies through their day-to-day operations, emissions reductions of around 5% can be achieved.

However, going to the next level and reaching double-digit energy efficiency requires technological solutions. Technologies like wind-assisted propulsion and waste-heat recovery systems, to name just a few, have already been proven to deliver tangible emissions reductions.

The areas of highest energy loss offer opportunities to enhance efficiency, for instance, by recovering waste energy from the engines. Waste-heat recovery systems capture the heat generated by the engine and convert it into electricity to power the ship’s systems. Wind-assisted propulsion arrangements, such as sails, kites, fixed-wing, and Flettner rotors, have been tested on merchant ships, and savings can typically range between 3% and 15% of main engine consumption.

In port, shore power emits less greenhouse gases and up to 7% of the total energy consumption of ships could be covered by shore power while ships are in port. Especially in combination with battery hybridisation technology, which is already being used to improve the energy efficiency of combustion engine-based power systems by peak shaving, and load optimisation. Looking ahead, the development of a logistics system for battery swapping could help to reduce shipowner investment needs and risk around hybridisation. Both avenues could be enhanced through regional incentives and regulations.

“Singapore is a key driver of growth for the maritime industry in Asia, sitting at the heart of a vibrant and innovative sector,” says DNV senior vice president and regional manager, South East Asia, Pacific & India, Antony M DSouza. “The nation is uniquely positioned to embrace the energy transition and lead the shift toward more sustainable shipping. However, real progress will only be achieved through a firm commitment to collaboration and a relentless drive for innovation. At DNV, we have the people, the expertise, and the deep industry insights to support this transition, backed by our strong presence in Singapore and more than 160 years of global experience.”

Utilising digital tools to improve vessel performance

Digitalisation is also crucial. Digital tools and systems are already enhancing vessel efficiency, facilitating speed and route optimisation. With more integrated networks, this can be taken to the next level, with some studies showing that just-in-time arrivals at ports can deliver emissions savings of up to 14%. Digitalisation can also be used to illuminate vessel performance, providing vital data on the impact of energy-saving measures, and helping to design the next generation of energy-efficient ships.

There are no limits to human ambition and ingenuity, and further technological innovations will be crucial in continuing to make our industry more efficient and greener.

Other technologies are within reach and can deliver even more emissions reductions. Battery technology is improving, enabling vessels to charge quicker and go further.

Advances are being made in fuel-cell technology. Smaller nuclear reactors are being developed and can also be used to produce synthetic green ship fuels, if not used directly on merchant ships.

Unleashing maritime ingenuity

There are no limits to human ambition and ingenuity, and further technological innovations will be crucial in continuing to make our industry more efficient and greener. This will require collaboration, both within shipping and with our partners in other industries and in government. But it will also require adaptability, flexibility, bravery and imagination.

These qualities are something that Singapore has never lacked and why it is emerging as a leader in the push towards sustainability. As a global maritime hub, the city-state has implemented proactive policies and initiatives such as green port incentives, fostering digitalisation, and the promotion of alternative fuels to reduce emissions.

Singapore’s focus on creating a sustainable ecosystem can position it at the forefront of the energy transition. With continued collaboration between the government, industry players, and research institutions, Singapore can pave the way to a greener, more efficient maritime future. 

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