Initiatives with new sulphur limits get more funding

As the first drone innovators Danish Explicit with its ‘sniffer drone’ for monitoring sulphur emissions from ships receives international recognition as finalists at the 2014 Ocean Exchange innovation contest. In parallel, the Danish EPA commits an additional $100.000 to the project. The recognition once again highlights the urgent need for strong enforcement initiatives with new sulphur limits on ship emissions only a few months away.

That drones can make a difference in the fight for a better environment is clear after the conclusion of this year’s international Ocean Exchange innovation contest in Savannah, Georgia (USA). Selected among a global pool of innovators, Danish drone innovator Explicit was recognised as one of only 10
finalists.

Explicit has developed a sniffer drone aimed at catching sulphur violators at sea. The system uses self-guided drones to seek out ships during cruise, measure their sulphur emissions and report back in real time. It is the first time a drone project is selected for the contest finale.

“To have global innovation networks like Ocean Exchange recognise the potential in drones for environmental purposes is a huge motivation. In the case of sulphur enforcement drones are one of the few technologies available to ensure that regulations can be properly implemented and pollution levels reduced,” says Jon Knudsen, CEO of Explicit.

Danish Government commits more to sulphur enforcement ― and to drones

Leading the way on sulphur enforcement, the Danish government recently announced an annual budget of $1.27 million dedicated to monitoring emissions. It has also granted $100.000 in further
funding to Explicit’s drone project in order to expand the sensor technology to also include nitrogen oxides (NOx). This increases the total EPA funding committed to the drone project to $280.000. The new funding is pipelined for 2015.

Trident Alliance: Urgent need for strong enforcement initiatives

The demand for innovative enforcement technologies like Explicit’s sniffer drone is also recognised by the Trident Alliance, an international coalition of shipping owners and operators who share a common interest in robust enforcement of maritime sulphur regulations. With new tighter sulphur
emission limits coming into effect already on the 1st of January 2015 the Trident Alliance fears the effect of weak enforcement:

“The shipping industry’s most impactful regulation ever will take effect in just two months. It is of great concern that the authorities are underprepared in terms of funding, manpower and legal readiness to enforce effectively. This scenario can quickly distort the competitive balance in the industry while simultaneously harming health and environmental interests,” says Roger Strevens, chairman of the Trident Alliance.

The sniffer drone is currently being tested together with FORCE Technology A/S. The project also has backing from the Danish Maritime Agency and the Danish Ship Owner’s Association.

 Source: Exlpicit

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