Thome Group adopts a three-pronged strategy, in line with the short-term, midterm, and long-term measures envisaged by IMO to reduce carbon intensity by 40% and 70% by 2030 and 2050, respectively, and total annual greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050.
Stage 1 is operational and ensures that various measures are enforced through Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans, by efficient voyage management through speed optimisation, weather routeing, trim optimisation, etc., and auxiliary power optimisation during steaming and port operations. Besides, performance improvement is targeted through condition-based and periodic maintenance of hull, propeller, and fuel consumers (engines and boilers). For efficient performance monitoring to achieve these goals, the Thome performance management system has been significantly enhanced. There is an emphasis on adopting additional equipment (like mass flow meters, shaft power meters, energy meters, and dataloggers) advanced technologies to capture and analyze parameters.
Stage 2 focuses on installing or retrofit propulsion improvement devices like pre-swirl and post-swirl devices, propeller upgrades, and high-performance hull coatings. Also, a significant engine efficiency improvement potential exists through the implementation of improved fuel component designs, engine de-rating, turbocharger upgrades and auto cut-off provisions, exhaust gas bypass, and efficient engine tuning through the adoption of systems for closer fuel injection and exhaust valve control. Variable frequency drives and energy-saving lights are other features employed to contribute to fuel savings.
We are working at measures for meeting the requirements arising from the regulations adopted in MEPC 75 to meet the following broad targets for each vessel before the first periodic survey (annual/intermediate/special survey) in 2023:
- Calculation of attained EEXI and verification that it is below the required level. Else, appropriate compliance alternatives will be adopted (Engine Power Limitation, Energy Efficiency retrofits, etc.)
- SEEMP includes requirements for reporting CIIs annually, corrective action plan if these do not meet required levels or if the vessel doesn’t meet the rating requirements.
Stage 3 is a long-term perspective, realising that low carbon and zero-carbon energy sources will play a vital role in achieving GHG targets for 2050. There is an increased focus on preparing for adopting technologies using LNG, biofuels and gases, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, hybrid propulsion (incl. batteries), fuel cells, wind, etc.
Within the Technical Support Department, a team of Vessel Performance Analysts (comprising Naval Architect and Marine Engineers) is reviewing, cleaning, and analysing performance data, consolidating performance analyses reports, and advising Vessel Managers and vessels on the engine and hull performance.
