Focus on efficiency

Meanwhile, the Schulte Group has set up a new subsidiary company, Ocean Opt, to be “a one-stop solution for emissions management for ship managers, owners and charterers”. The company says it offers independent consultancy, data management and platform-based services tailored for fleet performance optimisation, emission trading systems and regulatory compliance including the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation.

Schulte says that the new entity has been launched as the pressure on the maritime industry increases to demonstrate measurable progress toward climate neutrality. It notes: “Following the introduction of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating scheme and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) in 2023, effective this year, the shipping industry has been included to the European Union’s emissions trading system (EU ETS), which will have a major financial impact on shipping from 2025. While the industry is still busy adjusting to EU ETS, the next challenge is already on the horizon with FuelEU Maritime. In preparation for this new EU regulation, the monitoring plans for ships calling the EU must be submitted to authorised verifiers by end of August.”

Another major shipping industry player, Columbia Group, has launched a similar service. It says: “Solutions must be in place to help ship owners with navigating the complex challenges of complying with the new FuelEU Maritime regulations.”

Philippos Ioulianou, Director of Energy and Renewables at Columbia Group, said: “These new restrictions are going to have a big impact for owners and managers and it’s important they look at what measures they are going to need to take to comply with the regulations and to avoid hefty fines. At Columbia Group, we believe that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.”

Image Caption: MSC Cruises use the Oceanly platform

11/09/2024