A ferry described as the world’s fastest electric passenger ship is undergoing trials in Sweden.
As shipping in general tries to decarbonize, could this be an indication of the industry’s future?
The fastest electric ship
In the year In 2023, a new electric boat named Candela P-12 will start trial service from Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, to the coast of Akero Island.
Candela, the Swedish electric boat manufacturer that built the boat, claims it uses 80 percent less energy than conventional vessels and eliminates 100 percent of domestic emissions.
With an average speed of 20-30 knots, the P-12 is “the fastest electric ship ever,” says Candela, and is faster for commuters than subways, buses and cars during rush hour.
He reported that the boat flies above the water Euro NewsUsing three carbon fiber wings that protrude from the shell.
It has a capacity of 30 passengers and runs on a battery that can be charged in an hour from empty, according to Bloomberg.
If the nine-month trial is successful, Candela hopes the electric boats could replace Stockholm’s 70 diesel fleet.
Sweden’s new ferry is said to be the world’s fastest electric passenger ship. Such carbonization technologies are essential for making the industry emission free. Image: Candela
Are there benefits to bulk shipping?
Battery-powered electric boats are an option for short cruises in smaller vessels such as passenger boats. But long haul routes with large barges – which you typically need for cargo transport – are different.
Johanna Christensen of the Global Maritime Forum said in an interview with the World Economic Forum, “Electrification is not really an option for ships at sea; Because of the amount of batteries required.
In fact, international shipping is one of the heaviest – and largest – sectors that emit carbon dioxide. About 11 billion tons of goods are transported by ship annually between at least 150 countries. Shipping transports 80 percent of world trade.
Why is it important to reduce transportation emissions?
Shipping accounts for 3 percent of global emissions. Without eliminating these emissions, the world cannot become carbon-neutral, experts say.
Ships typically run on heavy fuel oil – a low-quality, high-carbon waste from crude oil refining.
Air pollution from shipping is thought to cause about 60,000 premature deaths per year, particularly in coastal and port areas.
How is shipping carbonization going?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the United Nations body that regulates shipping – pledged in 2018 to halve emissions from the shipping sector by 2050. This goal will be reviewed in 2023.
More than 200 maritime industry leaders have now called for shipping to become decarbonised by 2050, in a call to action by shipping. This is a partnership between the International Maritime Forum – an international organization focused on the future sustainability of maritime trade – the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action – an informal group of ocean leaders organized by the Forum and the environmental research organization, World Resources Institute.
The Forum is a partner of the First Movers Coalition – an initiative to help decarbonise “hard to decarbonise” industry sectors including shipping, aviation and freight. The coalition was founded in partnership with US Special Climate Envoy John Kerry and has grown its membership to more than 50 companies and nine countries, representing more than 40 percent of global production.
As the industry expands, emissions from shipping grow. Decarbonisation is key to managing the industry’s impact on climate change. Image: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
What decarbonization solutions are available for shipping?
The Shipping Decarbonization Call to Action states that the signatories have pledged more than 400 climate actions and commitments related to shipping decarbonization.
The shipping industry is experimenting with alternative fuels, such as biogas – a renewable fuel typically derived from organic waste. Other fuels that can be produced with no or low carbon emissions, such as ammonia and methanol, are also being tested.
For example, Danish ship owner and operator Maersk is developing eight large ocean-going container ships that can run on carbon-neutral methanol.
Wind, solar and other renewable energy can be used to help propel ships. Swedish shipbuilder Wallenius Marine and its partners are developing the “Oceanbird”, a wind-powered cargo ship that can carry 7,000 cars.
Hybrid systems that combine batteries and other fuels are also being developed. Precious Shipping, a ship owner and operator in Thailand, is developing a hybrid battery system that uses wind and solar power.
Hybrid systems that combine batteries and other fuels also help decarbonize the shipping industry. Image: Brittany Boats
In France, Brittany Ferries has launched what it says will be the world’s largest hybrid ferry.
Called Saint-Malo, it has a capacity of 1,400 passengers and is the first of two new hybrid ferries to sail between England and France from 2025.
The boats can run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), battery power or a combination of the two. LNG is a fossil fuel.
Stena Roro, the Swedish company that builds the boat, says hybrid ships are the ladder of future technological advancements, including “green fuels, fuel cells, large batteries and solar or wind-backed power.”
