The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) launched a framework to enable decision-makers in shipping to assess and compare decarbonization technologies and low to zero-emission energy carriers.
The vision of the framework is to:
- Provide a shared agreement as to what criteria are important when assessing decarbonization technologies and alternative energy carriers
- Facilitate understanding and communication on such technologies and energy carriers
- As a result of the assessments, identify gaps where further regulations and standards are needed to remove barriers.
The new framework considers wider sustainability aspects, while also recognizing that solving the issue of decarbonization “should not lead to unacceptable impacts on other areas such as safety, security and economic feasibility.”
The MTF believes this framework will be particularly beneficial when industry is researching new technologies for decarbonisation
More specifically, it takes into account all criteria relevant to achieving sustainable outcomes including:
- Technology status
- Environmental sustainability
- Safety
- Security
- Regulations
- People
- Engineering
- Economic feasibility.
It can be used for a singular assessment, or for comparison between multiple technologies or energy carriers. Assessments can also be carried out in a repeatable, consistent way, as well as to assess a complete system or sub-system.
#1 It considers all areas of criteria relevant in order to achieve sustainable outcomes from the introduction of decarbonization technologies and energy carriers: technology status, sustainability, safety, security, regulations, people, engineering and economic feasibility.
#2 The extensive criteria in the framework ensures that important systemic aspects will be duly considered rather than omitted.
#3 It can be used for a singular assessment, or for comparison between multiple technologies or energy carriers. Assessments can be carried out in a repeatable and consistent way.
#4 A full system can be assessed using it, or just a sub-system, notwithstanding that not all criteria apply in all cases, particularly when using it for assessing an energy carrier versus a technology.
The framework adopts a Systems Engineering approach that embraces the full lifecycle of technologies and alternative energy carriers under assessment.
A through-life assessment is crucial because a new technology or energy carrier may often have lifecycle factors that could inadvertently create other problems while solving the current one
sait MTF.
As such, the framework will provide a model that can be applied even beyond today’s focus on emissions, helping to ensure a fleet or vessel’s future competitiveness and compliance.
MTF also added that identifying the best solutions for long-term application in shipping with no detriment to the planet or society, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, is a big challenge for the maritime industry.
Getting this decision-making wrong could lead to non-compliance resulting in stranded assets down the line. The work of the MTF is looking beyond just alternative fuels, and also factors in all relevant decarbonization technologies and solutions, as well as their production and disposal
Commenting on the new framework, a spokesperson for the MTF, highlighted that it signals the strategic direction of the MTF’s work to help move towards a sustainable future for shipping.
Evaluating and managing the risk posed by decarbonization technologies is a big part of that effort. Our next priority will be to identify specific methodologies for assessment and comparison
EXPLORE MORE IN MTF’S DECARBONIZATION FRAMEWORK
