Ardmore Shipping attended a series of events at COP26, including an interactive event “ShipZero”, organized by Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs). The event brought together leaders in energy efficiency technologies, key maritime leaders and shipping companies as an opportunity to collaborate and discuss the pathway to true zero.

Mark Cameron, COO at Ardmore Shipping moderated the first session on the first day, “Liquid hydrogen vessels and systems”, with Hydra highlighting lessons learned on the first blue water liquid hydrogen-electric hybrid ferry. Ivan Østvik, Project Manager, Norled AS talked about the design of the vessel, the choice to use liquid hydrogen and the alternative design route.

In this session, Steven Lua, CEO, Unitrove also added details on liquid and liquid-to-compressed-gas hydrogen bunkering systems and Kristoffer Lorentsson, MAN Energy Solutions, explained the technology of a liquid hydrogen fuelgas supply system included the technology needed to store liquid hydrogen on board a ship, and how to supply gaseous hydrogen at correct temperature and pressure to the onboard consumers.

Mark also moderated session two, “Game changer zero-emissions vessel projects”, which included presentations from Tomas Tronstad Head of Shipping and Technology, Wilhelmsen New Energy AS Wilhelmsen highlighting projects through the entire value chain of hydrogen; production, distribution, storage and use in various end-user applications. Danielle Doggett, CEO, SAILCARGO INC also presented designs for combined hydrogen and wind propulsion, demonstrating the implementation of a hydrogen fuel cell system in zero emission cargo ships.

Mark Cameron, COO at Ardmore Shipping said:

“It was great to be able to discuss real tangible projects and how we can actively make changes today which will see progress to true zero. The event showcased the zero emission ships and systems currently available and emphasized to the industry, and the world, that the pathway is achievable and changes can be made today with proven technology that is available today.

“Ship owners need to understand what to look for among the suite of energy transition technologies; how to assess the options and identify the right solutions for the vessels, fleet, and the business. Identifying the right options for the requirements, including the technical and operational barriers to the successful deployment of efficiency technologies, is key. Collaborating on this level enables organisations to track new innovations, meet people in the industry and discuss new ideas, before then getting into a detailed examination of the costs and the returns on the concepts of most interest. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this event.”

The goal of the three-day event was to identify a course to true zero emissions shipping, resulting in a policy paper that was shared with COP26 delegates, as well as a collaborative and interactive navigational chart (‘Charging to True Zero°’), also to be shared with delegates, shipping and energy industry stakeholders, as well as the International Maritime Organization (IMO).