Driving decarbonization in shipping with digital technology

Achieving the goals of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy will require a mix of technical, operational, and innovative solutions applicable to ships. The ambition is quite significant and in order to achieve those goals, it is necessary to implement multiple technologies. Several measures need to be taken to make decarbonization happen in the industry and key challenges need to be addressed.

Key challenges in decarbonization:

• Energy-saving technology impact is not verified.
• Future fuels will not be available at any meaningful scale for at least another decade.
• Data from ship design is not effectively used for simulating ship operations.
• Similarly, data from ship operations is not effectively utilized for ship design.
• Multiple stakeholders have different interests.
• Lack of transparency, visibility, and collaboration between the stakeholders.

Role of regulations

Shipping companies have mostly been following trends, adopting technologies and solutions to comply with regulations. Not all of them have done so, but the positive outcome is that with the CII, EU ETS, and Fuel EU regulations in place, there is now more incentive for owners and charterers to cooperate. This is a collaborative effort, not just the responsibility of one party.

• The need to comply with regulations has been a key driver of change in the shipping market. For example, Engine Power Limitation or Shaft Power Limitation has been used to get the energy efficiency index down.
• With CII, EU ETS, and Fuel EU being into force owners and charterers have bigger incentives for collaboration. If not, there is a definite requirement for more accurate better reporting of ships’ performance data.

As regulations evolve, the shipping industry must work together to leverage digital solutions for compliance and sustainability.

Human element in technology

Technology should be used to support people. All the digital tools available today should be designed to improve the lives of seafarers and onshore personnel. This should be the primary goal, driving shipping companies to adopt available technologies.

Furthermore, as technology providers, we must support integration, whether through customized training or assisting with crew changes or other needs. We should be able to help shipping companies not just at the time of system implementation, but throughout the years they use the system.

Digital solutions for emissions reduction

Fortunately, there are regulations and requirements to comply with, but there are also solutions available today to help meet these standards. For example, with NAPA Fleet Intelligence and NAPA Voyage Optimization, you can use weather routing, avoid the “rush-to-wait” phenomenon by applying optimum speed, monitor fuel efficiency and consumption trends, and perform timely maintenance and health monitoring for your vessels.

However, choosing the right technology partner is critical for long-term success. It’s not just about having access to tools but ensuring they are accurate, reliable, and tailored to your specific needs. A trusted partner, like NAPA, brings industry-leading expertise, proven technologies, and long-term service support to ensure your company can meet both current and future challenges. With NAPA’s solutions, you gain not only compliance but also improved profitability, reduced emissions, and operational efficiency that lasts.

Choosing the right tools can make the difference between success and failure

Choosing the right tool for your company is critical to achieving long-term success and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. The right solution not only meets today’s requirements but also adapts to future challenges. Key factors to consider include:

• Accurate Ship Model and Expertise in Shipping: A solution built on precise, ship-specific data ensures reliable performance insights and decision-making.
• User-Centric Design: The tool must fit seamlessly into the workflows of its users, from onboard crew to office teams. An intuitive and practical solution increases value by fostering adoption and operational efficiency.
• Proven Partner for the Long Term: It’s not just about the technology—it’s about the people behind it. A reliable and trusted partner offers continuous support, expertise, and innovation, ensuring your company can adapt and thrive over time.

Weather routing

Weather routing is an integral part of reducing emissions. Routing is more than just avoiding harsh weather. Taking weather routing from “good” to “great” requires more than human experience as the number of parameters is countless most affecting the voyage KPIs differently.

Furthermore, it is a crucial tool for all ships, not just wind propulsion systems. Weather routing in NAPA Voyage Optimization contributes to improving profitability, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering emissions.

This approach delivers different results depending on the priorities. For example, in the voyage going from Busan, South Korea (KRPUS) to Long Beach, US (USLGB) with the same ETA, the shortest route and the weather-optimized route differed significantly in distance.

While the weather-optimized route increased the distance, it reduced emissions, improved the CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator), provided a safer journey, and saved $28000.

As time is pressing, collaboration is key. The Blue Visby consortium, underpinned by NAPA’s technology and expertise, provides an innovative contractual framework and platform that enables vessels to arrive perfectly just in time (JiT). This can reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions by 15% on average. A recent case study demonstrates how voyage planning can achieve up to 28% savings on specific voyages.

NAPA’s leadership in weather routing and performance monitoring & optimization solutions is evident, offering advanced digital platforms that integrate ship-specific models and real-time data to deliver measurable results. Utilizing NAPA’s 35+ years of experience in 3D hull form design, big data, and hydrodynamic calculations, shipping companies gain not only accurate routing solutions but also the long-term service and expertise needed to meet evolving challenges and decarbonization goals.

Digital innovation isn’t just an enabler—it’s the future of sustainable shipping. NAPA invites you to join us in shaping the maritime industry together.

The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.

Above article has been edited from Philippos Giannakos’ presentation during the 2024 SAFETY4SEA Dubai Forum.

Explore more by watching his video presentation here below