New ABS advisory describes how regulatory and technology changes are encouraging the adoption of energy efficiency measures, writes Lefteris Karaminas, Global Sustainability Manager, ABS

New technologies start as ideas, often undefined and uncertain until they are refined using available tools. The goal is that the product meets the same standards for asset integrity, environmental protection and safety as conventional projects.

As the maritime industry evolves towards a future of more sustainable operations, achieving our desired economic and environmental goals demands a focus on innovation and collaboration as key drivers.

The rapid development and adoption of new technologies has already driven the incorporation of goal-based standards for regulatory compliance into ABS Rules – offering a path to class approval for alternative and novel concepts.

Existing class requirements often prescribe a specific technical solution but since goal-based standards do not dictate specific technical solutions, they are better suited to accommodate and support future technological developments.

Implementation

As shipping progresses towards the lower carbon emissions targets of 2030 and beyond, implementation of shipboard retrofits is expected to grow.

Exploring EETs means investigating the impact on a vessel’s energy profile without compromising safety. To achieve this, shipowners must take specific steps when implementing EETs:

• Assess the present performance of shipboard systems and identify energy savings from specific improvements based on the vessel’s operational characteristics.
• Predict the savings derived from additional EETs for anticipated operating conditions through modeling and simulation based on routes, automatic identification system (AIS) and hindcast metocean data.
• Identify and address any potential hazards to the vessel and crew through hazard identification (HAZID) and hazard and operability study (HAZOP) workshops.
• Evaluate energy savings based on in-service measurements through vessel performance modeling and analysis.
• Optimize the energy demand by deploying mathematical techniques, such as computation fluid dynamics (CFD) for a bulbous bow optimization study or non-heuristic optimization algorithms for a voyage optimization study.

Adoption Paths

Retrofitting for EETs offers the maritime industry a crucial pathway to extending the life of existing and near-term newbuild vessels in the face of increasingly stringent regulations.

It is important to note that each technology’s effectiveness in reducing emissions varies based on factors such as vessel type and operational profile. A comprehensive approach that combines multiple EETs tailored to specific ship characteristics is often the most effective way to achieve significant emissions reductions.

Although uptake of energy-efficiency technologies has accelerated – more than a third of vessels now have at least one system fitted – the increase in drydock activity has been relatively modest. That’s largely because many EETs can be installed without adding significant time in dry dock.

For instance, makers of wake‑performance devices often say that, with good pre‑planning, the work can be finished within a week by specialist crews supplied by the vendor working alongside the shipyard team. Rudder alterations and other frequently installed EETs similarly tend to be fitted quickly.

Consequently, deployment of some retrofit measures may face fewer yard‑time limitations than expected. In contrast, more demanding upgrades, such as engine conversions and air lubrication system installations, need substantially longer dry dock periods.

Chart 1: Regional shares of shipyard retrofit capacity (MSI, ABS)

Supporting Safety

The field of vessel performance relies on both advanced technological systems – both software and hardware – and askilled workforce to support effective implementation. Alongside changes in the energy management and efficiency landscape, there has been a noticeable increase in professionals focused on performance assessment, prediction, in-service evaluation and optimization.

The need for continual training and staying updated on the latest techniques and methodologies for this emerging workforce cannot be overstated. Successful retrofits require a holistic approach that integrates advanced tools, skilled professionals and a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.

Through its Advisories and Guides, ABS provides the industry with a clear understanding of classification and statutory requirements for retrofitting, explores options for improving efficiency, and offers best practices and market insights to support informed decision-making.

ABS has a dedicated team of subject matter experts who work with stakeholders while they evaluate retrofit solutions for their vessels. We help clients address environmental objectives with a range of sustainability services, including assessments of alternative fuels and energy efficiency measures.

In addition, ABS drives awareness of new technologies and measures by engaging the industry with seminars, informative meetings and advisory publications. ABS has supported the industry’s trend toward improving energy efficiency since the beginning.