During DNV’s Maritime Energy Transition Summit 2024 (February 8), Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO, DNV Maritime, touched upon various trends and shifting realities that global shipping is currently facing, highlighting that the maritime industry is going through its own Renaissance, trying to adopt current technologies while investing in tomorrow’s.
Alternative fuels
According to Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, alternative fuel adoption is quite challenging, seeing that the production levels are not enough to provide for shipping’s massive needs. Further infrastructure needs to be developed, but then again, it is quite uncertain which fuels will prevail over time and will actually be adopted, which impacts investments due to the risk being too high. However, he called stakeholders to action, saying that the time is now to take measures that will promote a greener future.
The clock is ticking, we need to start making real headway, now
… commented Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, during DNV’s Maritime Energy Transition Summit 2024
Available solutions
The CEO also mentioned biofuels, setting them apart from other fuels as they can aid in reducing the emissions of the existing fleet. Apart from biofuels, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen also supported that implementing energy efficiency technologies can aid significantly in reducing emissions. As the CEO pointed out, wind propulsion is a promising route, taking shipping back to its ancient roots.
Who would have thought that after all these years of technological advancements we would be sailing again!
… he said
Digitalization
Another ally in the industry’s efforts to decarbonize, according to the CEO of DNV, is digitalization. Implementing digital solutions that monitor and maximize efficiency is a key element in reducing emissions. Operators could see great benefit in implementing solutions that fit their fleet, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen noted.
Seafarers at the forefront
1.5 million crew, both men and women, face dangers every day to keep the maritime trade moving
… highlighted Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, pointing out that seafarers and their safety should be at the heart of the maritime decarbonization journey for it to be truly successful.