Global Climate News

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking applications for its GHG-SMART training program focused on decarbonizing the maritime sector. The program, funded by the Republic of Korea, will train maritime professionals from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on developing national action plans for decarbonization, fundraising for decarbonization projects, and implementing the IMO's 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. Successful candidates may receive scholarships for a Master's degree at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden.

A recent report by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) estimated that greenhouse gas emission savings from natural gas engines for trucks are 13%–18% compared to diesel. However, a well-to-wheel analysis, considering methane leakage in natural gas production, shows that the climate benefits are marginal, with potential for CNG trucks to be worse than diesel if methane leakage exceeds 2.5%. The study highlights the risk of technology lock-in with CNG trucks, potentially hindering the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in the future.

Indonesia-based Indoshipping provides door-to-door delivery services for briquettes to Hong Kong. Briquettes, particularly those made from coconut shells, are in demand as an eco-friendly fuel source. Indoshipping ensures compliance with Indonesian export and Hong Kong import regulations, including necessary documentation (invoice, packing list, fumigation certificate). They offer consultations to optimize shipping costs and efficiency.

Singapore's shipping companies are investing in technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability. Companies like PSA International are using automated systems, while others are adopting digitalization and real-time tracking. Sustainability initiatives include using electric and hybrid vehicles and exploring alternative fuels. The country faces challenges such as rising transport costs and competition but maintains a significant role in international trade.

Globally, carbon markets are evolving but face scaling challenges. A recent London event, organized by ZERO13 with participation from various financial market climate experts, highlighted issues like governance, technology adoption, and market clarity. Panelists discussed Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for national regulation and bilateral partnerships alongside voluntary markets. The lack of digitalization was noted, with many transactions relying on spreadsheets and WhatsApp. Digital tools like DMRV were highlighted for improving market integrity and value, with one example showing a three-times price premium for digitally traceable climate project credits. The shipping industry's decarbonization challenges and Africa's potential exclusion from carbon finance due to low-carbon grids were also discussed. The event concluded by emphasizing the need for greater technology adoption, standardized methodologies, financial innovation, and a broader view of additionality to scale carbon markets effectively.

US-based Xcel Energy has signed a ten-year service agreement with Wärtsilä Corporation for maintenance of two power plants in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The plants use Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines with a combined capacity of 77 MW, providing grid-balancing power from renewable energy sources.

The UK has announced £30 million in decarbonisation funding for coastal communities and businesses through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6). The funding will support clean maritime technologies and has already seen over £100 million in private investment. One flagship project, GT Wings’ AirWing™, in Hull will reduce vessel emissions by up to 30%.

US-based NRDC sent an open letter to Quantum Capital Group, highlighting the inconsistency of its ESG commitments with its financial interest in the Saguaro Energia LNG project in the Gulf of California. The project threatens a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its biodiversity. NRDC argues that the project's environmental impacts are irreconcilable with Quantum Capital’s ESG commitments.

The Cluster Yachting Monaco, based in Monaco, has appointed new vice-presidents: Arthur Bohr (Monaco Marine) and Olivier Lavagna (SEPM). The association continues its mission to unite industry players and promote innovative sustainable solutions for the yachting sector to reduce its environmental impact.

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation has supplied its EnergoFlow solution and Fixed Pitch Propellers (FPP) for three Pure Car/Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels owned by Sallaum Lines to improve propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This is part of Sallaum Lines’ decarbonisation programme and Wärtsilä’s Decarbonisation Programme, tailored for optimal sustainability.

The article discusses vessel upgrades during dry docking, focusing on improvements in fuel efficiency, emission reduction technologies (scrubbers, ballast water treatment), navigation and communication systems, and propulsion systems. These upgrades aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and comply with stricter environmental regulations. The upgrades contribute to lower operational costs and extend vessel lifespan.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) imposed a reduction in sulfur in ship fuel in 2020 to reduce air pollution. This inadvertently reduced the reflectivity of marine clouds, decreasing their cooling effect and leading to warming. The resulting decrease in ship tracks, bright white clouds trailing ships, has made it challenging to quantify the warming effect using climate models.

The European Union has implemented the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, effective January 1, 2025, to decarbonize its maritime sector. This regulation mandates a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas intensity, starting at -2% in 2025 and reaching -80% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels. The EU has also committed EUR 20 million in EU Allowances and EUR 530 million through Horizon Europe for research and innovation in renewable and low-carbon fuels for the maritime sector.

The article discusses the global economic challenges of 2021 and 2022, including high energy prices and inflation. Rising energy costs are partly due to reduced Russian natural gas supply to Europe. Central banks are responding by raising interest rates, although concerns exist about high public debt levels.

Kazakhstan is building a 120 MW hybrid power plant comprising Wärtsilä engines, a 77 MW wind plant, and a 50 MW solar plant. Wärtsilä will supply six Wärtsilä 46TS-SG gas-fuelled engines and auxiliary equipment. The project aims to provide stable electricity to oil and gas facilities, supporting Kazakhstan's decarbonisation efforts.

Norway's Statistics Norway (SSB) has published statistics on petroleum product and liquid biofuel sales. The data shows sales to various industries, including changes in fuel sales to road traffic (-12.8% from November 2023 to November 2024). The report also includes fuel prices and sales data by product.

Singapore-based PaxOcean has secured shipbuilding contracts for two Offshore Construction Vessels (OCVs) with a European shipowner. The vessels, measuring 123 meters in length, will support both conventional and renewable offshore energy industries and include features like a 1000KWh battery energy storage system and options for methanol readiness. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.

Australia: Höegh Autoliners and Svitzer partnered to implement Svitzer’s EcoTow solution, achieving a near 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from towage operations of the Höegh Aurora during its maiden voyage. The EcoTow solution uses carbon credits generated from biofuel use to offset emissions.

The US Department of Treasury issued final guidance for the Section 45V Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, aiming to advance domestic clean hydrogen production. The credit, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, incentivizes low-emission hydrogen production methods, including electrolysis and carbon capture with natural gas. The guidance includes criteria for determining the incrementality of existing clean electricity used for hydrogen production and sets a target for hourly matching of clean electricity by 2030.

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe (DJSI) for the ninth consecutive year. The company was ranked in the top four percent of its peers in the IEQ Machinery and Electrical Equipment sector, achieving a score of 62/100 based on its 2023 performance. Wärtsilä also participates in other sustainability indices, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.