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Sailing towards sustainability: Jan-Willem Vissers answers your questions
Sailing towards sustainability: Jan-Willem Vissers answers your questions
The world of commercial marine power is complex. A multitude of industries with varied requirements means there is no one-size-fits-all approach. From Volvo Penta’s seat at the heart of commercial power, we are driving innovation and supporting partners in their journeys towards safe and sustainable life on the water.
Here, Jan-Willem Vissers, Director, Marine Commercial, helps to unpack answers to the most frequently asked questions around sustainable commercial power.
What are the industries associated with commercial marine power and Volvo Penta?
There are too many to name! We have partnerships with a huge portfolio of commercial clients including CTVs, multi-purpose vessels, ambulance services, tourist vessels, coastguard vessels, commuter and passenger ferries, many types of workboats, short sea and river transportation, and many more. The world of commercial marine power is almost endless and Volvo Penta has solutions to meet the needs of every company that works in the sector.
How is sustainability being incorporated across these industries?
The world of commercial marine power is fascinating and the industries within it play a crucial role in the global economy. Our partners demand cleaner solutions, and while the stakes are high there are also huge opportunities to transform the sector. Commercial marine vessels are continuously evolving, and each new project seeks stronger sustainability credentials to help owners meet their environmental goals. What’s most exciting is we see a range of options coming together, which gives us a variety of solutions in how we deliver that. It might be new or existing fuels, innovative technology to reduce energy use, or ground-breaking new power systems based on electric, hybrid or other options.
What are the alternative fuels available to the commercial marine industry?
Alternative fuels are just one solution we are supporting at Volvo Penta. Earlier this year we announced we are powering the world’s first hydrogen ferry in partnership with CMB.TECH. As a fuel source, hydrogen dual fuel technology is an important interim solution in reducing carbon emissions before suitable net-zero emissions alternatives become viable. Its ability to blend hydrogen with diesel provides a cleaner fueling option that is robust and reliable.
Otherwise, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) is a viable alternative. At our test facility in Gothenburg we now run all our vessels on HVO 100. All our commercial engines are verified to run on HVO 100 with owners able to switch by simply filling from an alternative gas nozzle – no mechanical adjustment required. It’s an option that is winning hearts and minds. One of our customers – Clinton Marine Survey – is gradually shifting its full fleet to HVO 100 and the results have been unanimously positive.
How do biofuels reduce carbon emissions in the commercial marine segment?
Biofuels reduce carbon emissions in the commercial marine segment because they are made from organic materials, such as plants and waste products. When these biofuels are burned as a fuel source in commercial vessels, the net carbon emissions are much lower compared to traditional fossil fuels.
It's important to note that while biofuels offer advantages in reducing carbon emissions, the production methods need to be as sustainable as possible to ensure the best overall benefit to the environment. For our own use at our Krossholmen test facility, we source HVO 100 from reputable suppliers. We acknowledge it’s not a perfect solution, but it’s part of our overall journey to move towards net-zero in our value chain by 2040.
How does energy efficiency impact the operational cost of a vessel?
There are a couple of considerations when looking at lifetime cost. Let’s break them down:
Fuel savings: energy-efficient vessels consume less fuel with little impact on power or performance. This directly translates to cost savings, especially for vessels that operate over long distances or for extended periods. Fuel is one of the most significant operating expenses for maritime transportation, so reducing consumption through efficiency measures often leads to substantial cost – and CO2 – reductions for conventional diesel boats.
Compliance and Regulations: Many countries and international organizations have regulations that limit emissions from commercial vessels. Energy-efficient vessels are more likely to comply with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties for non-compliance. We try to develop solutions to meet local regulations in all markets across the world. This is not a simple exercise when you consider the differing requirements of each region.
It’s important to note that energy-efficient vessels can still pollute more than they should if the wrong fuel is used or older propulsion engines without after-treatment are installed. So customers need to look at the big picture to maximize their sustainability. It’s about multiple elements, such as getting an efficient hull for the required speed; the right-sized (not over-sized) propulsion engines; the most efficient propulsion package (such as the Volvo Penta IPS) for the application.
Also looking at aspects such as whether alternative fuels (like HVO 100) can be used and if there is a suitable aftertreatment system. Together this will help the operator reduce the environmental footprint to an absolute minimum.
There are too many to name! We have partnerships with a huge portfolio of commercial clients including CTVs, multi-purpose vessels, ambulance services, tourist vessels, coastguard vessels, commuter and passenger ferries, many types of workboats, short sea and river transportation, and many more. The world of commercial marine power is almost endless and Volvo Penta has solutions to meet the needs of every company that works in the sector.
How is sustainability being incorporated across these industries?
The world of commercial marine power is fascinating and the industries within it play a crucial role in the global economy. Our partners demand cleaner solutions, and while the stakes are high there are also huge opportunities to transform the sector. Commercial marine vessels are continuously evolving, and each new project seeks stronger sustainability credentials to help owners meet their environmental goals. What’s most exciting is we see a range of options coming together, which gives us a variety of solutions in how we deliver that. It might be new or existing fuels, innovative technology to reduce energy use, or ground-breaking new power systems based on electric, hybrid or other options.
What are the alternative fuels available to the commercial marine industry?
Alternative fuels are just one solution we are supporting at Volvo Penta. Earlier this year we announced we are powering the world’s first hydrogen ferry in partnership with CMB.TECH. As a fuel source, hydrogen dual fuel technology is an important interim solution in reducing carbon emissions before suitable net-zero emissions alternatives become viable. Its ability to blend hydrogen with diesel provides a cleaner fueling option that is robust and reliable.
Otherwise, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) is a viable alternative. At our test facility in Gothenburg we now run all our vessels on HVO 100. All our commercial engines are verified to run on HVO 100 with owners able to switch by simply filling from an alternative gas nozzle – no mechanical adjustment required. It’s an option that is winning hearts and minds. One of our customers – Clinton Marine Survey – is gradually shifting its full fleet to HVO 100 and the results have been unanimously positive.
How do biofuels reduce carbon emissions in the commercial marine segment?
Biofuels reduce carbon emissions in the commercial marine segment because they are made from organic materials, such as plants and waste products. When these biofuels are burned as a fuel source in commercial vessels, the net carbon emissions are much lower compared to traditional fossil fuels.
It's important to note that while biofuels offer advantages in reducing carbon emissions, the production methods need to be as sustainable as possible to ensure the best overall benefit to the environment. For our own use at our Krossholmen test facility, we source HVO 100 from reputable suppliers. We acknowledge it’s not a perfect solution, but it’s part of our overall journey to move towards net-zero in our value chain by 2040.
How does energy efficiency impact the operational cost of a vessel?
There are a couple of considerations when looking at lifetime cost. Let’s break them down:
Fuel savings: energy-efficient vessels consume less fuel with little impact on power or performance. This directly translates to cost savings, especially for vessels that operate over long distances or for extended periods. Fuel is one of the most significant operating expenses for maritime transportation, so reducing consumption through efficiency measures often leads to substantial cost – and CO2 – reductions for conventional diesel boats.
Compliance and Regulations: Many countries and international organizations have regulations that limit emissions from commercial vessels. Energy-efficient vessels are more likely to comply with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties for non-compliance. We try to develop solutions to meet local regulations in all markets across the world. This is not a simple exercise when you consider the differing requirements of each region.
It’s important to note that energy-efficient vessels can still pollute more than they should if the wrong fuel is used or older propulsion engines without after-treatment are installed. So customers need to look at the big picture to maximize their sustainability. It’s about multiple elements, such as getting an efficient hull for the required speed; the right-sized (not over-sized) propulsion engines; the most efficient propulsion package (such as the Volvo Penta IPS) for the application.
Also looking at aspects such as whether alternative fuels (like HVO 100) can be used and if there is a suitable aftertreatment system. Together this will help the operator reduce the environmental footprint to an absolute minimum.
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