Different avenues can be pursued to cut emissions from the shipping industry, such as the use of wind energy for propulsive power. Batteries can provide an energy storage solution for improving vessel energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are also providing these benefits in emerging maritime Source: Draxsector applications. A dead fish option is also being floated: liquefied biogas derived from expired fish is being tested as an alternative fuel by a Norwegian cruise line operator.

A year-long initiative is now underway in the U.K. to develop an advanced sail technology to control ship carbon dioxide emissions. Prototypes of the Fastrig system will be designed in the project launched by U.K. power generator Drax, the Smart Green Shipping Alliance (SSGA), bulk cargo transporter Ultrabulk and Humphreys Yacht Design.

Two-thirds of the fuel used at its North Yorkshire power station is now biomass instead of coal, enabling Drax to cut its carbon emissions by more than 80%. As shipping is one of the most carbon intensive elements of the supply chain, the utility plans to further reduce such emissions through the research partnership.

A technical feasibility study conducted during the first part of the project will define mechanical parameters for retrofitting the Fastrig solution onto Ultrabulk ships importing biomass into the U.K. Depending on study results, the launch of the Commercial Demonstrator could be done as soon as 2021.