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Dubai-based Tristar Maritime Logistics says it aims to lead the way in terms of carbon footprint management within the shipping industry, with a series of new initiatives.
New regulations come into effect on 1st January 2023, with the aim of reducing overall emissions through to 2050, but Tristar believes it is already ahead of the curve. “With our historic sustainability outlook, before it became fashionable, our newbuild vessels in 2016 and again in 2020/2021 already meet the new regulations without having to make any modifications,” says Chris Peters, Tristar Maritime Logistics’ CEO.
Looking forward, there are new global regulations coming into effect in relation to decarbonisation, with various versions of net zero scheduled for 2050 and other targets set to be reached by 2030.
Peters claims that for existing vessels it is not presently technically or financially viable to change the fuel used by that vessel to a lower or zero carbon alternative. “This may change and then Tristar Maritime Logistics will endeavour to introduce these changes to our fleet,” adds Peters. However, he points out that there are many smaller things that can be completed now to reduce fuel consumption and therefore carbon footprint. He says, “As and when vessels are due for their 5-year drydockings, modifications have been made by Tristar to engines and upgraded paint schemes have been applied to the hulls, reducing friction in the water and therefore consumption.”
Tristar also has a program to periodically polish the vessel propeller, examine the hull condition and clean if required, to ensure that fuel is saved by reducing the drag caused by fouling. “We are also evaluating existing technologies such as wind assisted power, air lubrication of the hull and other initiatives to reduce the fuel consumed,” Peters says.
From a longer-term perspective Peters points out that an ongoing evaluation of the fleet is being carried out to see how Tristar can not only meet the regulations but also strive to continuously stay ahead of them. Various concepts have been reviewed for alternative fuels, including battery-powered vessels for the coastal fleet and dual-fuelled ocean going vessels.
