An electric revolution for a zero-emission future is taking place to the seas, according to Bellona as cited at one of its COP23 side events on electrification of maritime transport in Bonn, Germany, last week. ‘The technology is here, what we need is regulation’ was a key message echoed by the speakers.
The purpose of this concept is to be able utilise the required electric infrastructure for both shore power and battery charging of ships as well as charging of electric vehicles.
During this COP23 event, Bellona and partners shared their stories and best practices on electrification, while calling for a regulatory framework to ensure the whole industry follows suit.
“First, the electric revolution must start on land”, said Bellona’s senior advisor on shipping Jan Kjetil Paulsen. “Our vision for electric infrastructure is combining land-based and sea-based applications and seeing the harbour as an electric hub”.
The electric revolution in the Norwegian maritime sector started 3 years ago, when the first electric transfer ferry for the Norwegian Roads administration was launched, proven both a zero-emissions solution and also with respect to reduced operational costs.
In December 2015, the Norwegian parliament also passed a law requiring low- and zero-emission solutions for all national and local ferries, which were followed up with financial support. Now more than 60 electric ferries are in planning and construction stages to be put into operation in the next 34 years.
Rolf Sandvik, CEO of tourist company The Fjords, featured among the speakers of Bellona’s event and shared experience of operating the first hybrid battery electric ferry, Vision of the Fjords, that makes now the technology available for construction of a 100% battery electric ferry, “Future of the Fjords”.
Brent Perry, CEO at Plan B Energy Storage, on his turn, reassured that fully zero emissions Trans-Atlantic shipping is just a few years away.
“We must stop thinking batteries, but look at more holistic energy solutions,” he urged.
In addition, Bernhard Stormyr, Head of Sustainability Management at Fertiliser company Yara, shared the story of the development of the first, autonomous and fully electric container ship that can achieve NOx and CO2 emissions reduction around 40,000 journeys per year. Egil Hystad from Wartsila highlighted the newest technological developments for zero emissions shipping.
