In an industry characterized by increasingly keen competition, the key issues are designing, building
and operating ships efficiently. An efficient ship is profitable and environmentally compatible. The 6th Scandinavian Committee Meeting of Germanischer Lloyd in Copenhagen focused on how to improve ship
efficiency.
With regards to cost efficiency, compliance with stricter environmental
standards and technical safety for the maritime industry worldwide, GL
engages in the research and development of ship efficiency. "There exist
many possibilities to improve ship efficiency, GL helps to identify the
best", said Torsten Schramm, Chief Operating Officer Region Europe /
Middle East / Africa.
"The reduction of fuel usage is increasing in importance and fuel costs
dominate ship operation. The GL approach to reduce fuel costs is the CO2
index which is a tool to determine the fuel consumption. The measured
CO2 index can be compared with other indices within a given fleet",
added Schramm.
This function in particular is expected to trigger a learning effect as
differences in fuel consumption will be made explicit and more
transparent with the data associated to each vessel and voyage segment.
With certified CO2-index values becoming public, the transport industry
can actively further minimize emissions. Ships with a low index will
transport more cargo and improve their index even further.
GL has launched a prototype CO2-index for shipping, based on
MEPC/Circ.471. The innovative index is available for all GL classed
ships. Each ship owner and management company can check the complete
survey status of their GL classed fleet. The CO2 emission will be
measured on the basis of installed power, consumed fuel and transported
cargo. Computed index values can be compared to other ships' indices and
eventually be used to minimise emissions from transport.
"Reducing CO2 emissions from ships has a high environmental priority for
the shipping industry. The implementation of project development
together with our clients starts at an early stage", said Rainer
Gutzmer, chairman of the Scandinavian Committee and GL Area Manager
Scandinavia.