When China decides to solve a challenge, they do it large. Facing critical industrial pollution issues, China has taken up powerful measures to clean up cities, waterways, and coastlines.
As part of the program, the Chinese maritime industry, and all maritime activities in China, have come under increased scrutiny by the authorities. The Blue Sky Protection Campaign launched in 2018 was subsequently expanded to include the Yangtze River delta and several inland waterways, meaning that strict emissions control will be enforced in China’s busiest waterways, and on a fairly short timeline.
China’s environmental policy and how it’s reflected on the shipping industry was one of the key topics discussed during the Generations roundtable in Shanghai.
Moderator Wenhua Xing, Chairman, Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Ocean Engineers (SSNAME), noted that shipowners are by now fully aware of the challenges and risks they face. At the same time there are also many options open to shipowners, including clean fuel, fuel cells, and scrubbers.
Xing added that SSNAME is conducting its own environmental research projects focusing on clean power for river traffic, including fuel cells and liquified natural gas (LNG). He invited the China Classification Society (CCS) to elaborate on their environmental efforts, as the leading authority on regulations and their impact on the industry.
Shi Chen, Director of CCS, Shanghai branch, informed that China’s Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environmental Protection have recently issued five new documents outlining emissions standards. China is determined to lead the way in environmental responsibility, Chen assured, with the new regulations weighing in as some of the world’s most demanding. “China can now become a world leader in environmental protection. If we want to live a better life, we have to have a better environment. We cannot just make money, we have to be clean and green too.”
However, Chen saw more obstacles than opportunities for LNG as a fuel for river traffic. “I don’t see a bright future for river transportation of LNG, simply because it is classified as hazardous material, and transportation is governed by strict space restrictions that are difficult to enforce on inland waterways. Many places in the world have already banned LNG-powered river vessels.”
He also noted that many existing river vessels are not suitable for conversion due their small size. In addition, ports would have to be converted to handle hazardous materials. “It is much easier to use LNG for open water transportation. For inland waterways, I think batteries or fuel cells could be better options.”
To LNG and beyond
Moderator Xing invited Evan Fei E, Technology Manager, ABB Marine & Ports China, to share some of the results of ABB’s extensive research on the viability of fuel cell power, including energy density and large-scale applications. “Because hydrogen exhaust is basically water, it is considered an attractive fuel where emissions are a concern. ABB is actively involved in collaborative development of the fuel cell technology for marine applications, including research, testing and a pilot installation implementation,” Fei E said.
Regulations also pose a challenge for fuel cells, he noted, as different classification societies can have different rules. “Most of our work is going on in Europe now. CCS may have other requirements, and we will follow up with talks to harmonize the solutions.”
Alf-Kåre Adnanes, General Manager, ABB Marine & Ports China, concurred: “After having been the ‘next big thing’ for many years, fuel cells are really happening now.”
At the same time, he said, incentives for LNG are growing, and use of LNG as fuel is expanding. “LNG is already in broad use in the North Sea and in Northern Europe, also for traffic closer to shore.”
Developments in LNG transport, storage and bunkering may also have relevance for LNG, he offered. “A lot of the lessons we have learned can be used as references as we continue to work toward fuel cells using hydrogen on ships.”
