2012 Sustainability Report shows 13% GHG decrease
Founded in 1973, Teekay is one of the world’s largest marine energy transportation, storage and production companies. Sustainability is central to Teekay values and means ensuring success in all aspects of business. In addition to financial metrics, performance is evaluated according to the health and success of employees, and impact on the environment.
Environmental management systems are certified to the international ISO 14001 standard, and Teekay invests significant resources in lowering emissions and optimizing energy efficiency.
Greenhouse Gas Management
Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These measures include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Teekay recognizes this trend and is acting accordingly to stay current with these developments.
In 2012, the greenhouse gases created from company’s global operations decreased from 5,178,226 metric tonnes in 2011 to 4,498,030 metric tonnes. This decrease is mostly due to lower fuel consumption in the conventional fleet. Ongoing slow steaming, the usage of favorable ocean currents, and the installation of Propeller Boss Cap Fins in fleet contributed to reduced fuel consumption and air emissions.
Other air emissions
The main air emissions from our operations are sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and refrigerant gasses, each of which have negative impacts on the environment, including contributions to smog, acid rain and ozone depletion.
Annex VI to the IMOs International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships sets limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits emissions of ozone depleting substances, emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks and the incineration of specific substances.
Sulphur Oxides
When combusted, the fuel used by ships generates sulphur oxides. In 2012, the average sulphur content of fuels used in the Teekay fleet was 2.25 percent, and sulphur oxide emissions were 43,230 metric tonnes. This is well below the current global regulated limited of 3.5 percent and represents a decline of 18 percent from 2011.
Sulphur content of Teekays ships is expected to decrease over the coming three years as work is made to comply with several regulatory requirements mandating low sulphur fuel. For example, as of January1, 2015, all vessels operating within Emissions Control Areas worldwide must comply with 0.1% sulfur requirements.
Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides are another by-product of high-temperature fuel combustion. As a result of overall reduced fuel consumption, total nitrogen oxide emissions declined 33%, from 99,129 in 2011 to 66,361 in 2012. NOx emissions can be addressed by lowering engine combustion temperatures or by modifying engine combustion with technologies like slide fuel valves. In 2012, these valves were installed in ships.
Ballast Water
Teekay ships are designed and built to carry oil and gas. However, if the ship discharges all or some of its cargo, ballast may be taken on board to achieve the required safe operating conditions. However, the challenge with ballast is that there are thousands of aquatic species that may be carried in ships’ ballast water, including bacteria and other microbes, micro-algae, and various life stages of aquatic plant and animal species.
The introduction and spread of alien invasive species in ballast is a serious problem that can create ecological, economic, health and environmental impacts, including loss of native biological diversity. To mitigate this, Teekay vessels exchange ballast water mid-voyage as required by regional regulations. In 2012, to reflect new International Maritime Organization regulations, Teekay took further action to identify suitable and cost-effective systems for eventual installation throughout the fleet.
Spills and Discharges
Teekay works diligently to avoid oil and gas spills of any kind. There were no spills greater than one barrel in the Teekay Conventional Fleet. Similarly, in FPSO fleet, all spills were minor.
Waste
In 2012, Teekay vessels were responsible for generating 12,758 m3 of solid waste and food scraps. 64% of that waste was sent to shore facilities for disposal or recycling. About 29% was incinerated onboard and 7% was disposed of at sea in accordance with MARPOL 73/78 (the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships.
To prepare for new at-sea garbage disposal restrictions under MARPOL Annex V, a goal of zero waste disposed at sea was set by the end of 2012. Further actions are taken to ensure that all ships are ready to achieve new garbage restrictions under Annex V of MARPOL in 2013.
Setting New Standards in Eco-Efficiency
Teekay has forged new ground in ship design with the innovative design of next generation tankers. The One Spirit is a revolutionary vessel with the potential to dramatically change the future of shipping. Its eco-design reduces fuel consumption by 30%, dramatically reducing voyage costs and providing a more environmentally efficient solution to transportation.
The One Spirit design has three key innovations:
- Aerodynamic hull(total savings of 17 percent with wave impacts)
- “G” type engine de-rated (savings six percent)
- Slower propeller, 20 percent larger in diameter.
The vessel design is so efficient, it is already compliant with 2025 Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements.
Images Credit: Teekay
Read more information in the Teekay 2012 Sustainability Report.
