Redesigning Ocean Industries and Operational Excellence for a Sustainable Future

In this engaging interview with Delfina Govia, Chief Sustainability Officer of Frockt, we explore the ways to redefine operational excellence for a better future. Delfina highlights Frockt's strong commitment to sustainability and how they leverage efficiency and effectiveness to drive sustainable transformation.

One of the significant aspects of ocean industries is logistics, which includes ocean freight and impacts adjacent fields. Digitalization and collaboration between logistics providers and ocean industries are necessary for sustainable practices. Delfina shares her past experience in the energy and oil and gas industry and how the industry has advanced its use of digital and communication technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in operations on the water.

The conversation moves towards sustainability as a driving force for the world of transportation and the need for collaborative development, regulatory force, and industry pull. Industry collaboration and innovation are more prudent solutions than a regulatory force.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of ESG and Collaboration

Sustainability and climate change are pressing issues in different parts of the world. In this section, Delfina and Jacqueline discuss the role of collaboration between the private and public sectors to achieve sustainable business and a sustainable world. Industry experts are responsible for educating elected officials and driving policies that can help achieve sustainability goals.

Social responsibility starts with leading companies committing to behaving more socially responsibly. Balancing energy access with sustainability is crucial, and many issues of social inequity need to be addressed. Collaboration is key to finding solutions that work for everyone.

The Complexity of Sustainable Energy Solutions: Unpacking the Challenges

Sustainable energy solutions are complex, and the challenges are enormous. In this section, we unpack some of the challenges in the energy industry, such as emerging technologies like solar and wind power, biofuels, electrification, ammonia, hydrogen, and nuclear energy. We discuss the larger picture to avoid creating more harm than good.

Hydrogen and ammonia are promising but have risks, such as safety, production, and transportation concerns. Governments, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies play an essential role in driving the growth and direction of the energy industry. Introducing digital tools or changing workflows requires thoughtful consideration to avoid displacing jobs or creating accidents.

Collaborative efforts are essential as no one can achieve sustainability alone. Sustainable energy solutions require collaboration, thoughtful consideration, and education to ensure progress toward a sustainable future that benefits everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, redefining operational excellence requires collaboration and knowledge sharing to work towards new standards. Sustainability is a driving force for ocean industries; industry collaboration and innovation are necessary to achieve intelligent solutions. The path to sustainability requires collaboration, education, innovation, and redefining operational excellence. Only through working together can we create a sustainable future that benefits everyone.

Navigating the Future of Maritime Fuels: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

The maritime industry's future lies in sustainability, and finding alternative fuels less harmful to the environment is of utmost importance. Matt Duke, the CEO of Grieg Maritime Group, has been exploring this topic at length, discussing future fuels and sustainability in shipping. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different business areas of Grieg Maritime Group and explore how the company is committed to finding solutions that promote environmental conservation and reduce its carbon footprint.

Grieg Maritime Group is a well-known brand in Norway and a family-owned company group. They are primarily focused on ship ownership and management, with a joint venture called G2 Ocean that deals with the commercial side of the business. G2 Ocean is one of the world's largest open-hatch shipping actors, focusing on wood pulp, other commodities, and project cargo.

Introduction 

The maritime industry is facing an urgent need to transition towards renewable fuels that are more environmentally friendly, given the increasing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability. In this article, we will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with using renewable fuels in the maritime sector and explore potential solutions that can help overcome the challenges. We will also explore how Grieg Maritime Group is committed to finding new fuel options and embracing sustainable practices to promote environmental conservation and reduce their carbon footprint.

Testing and Exploring All Possible Solutions 

The maritime industry has the potential to explore and test various renewable fuel options despite the challenges of adopting them. Biofuels, for instance, can be produced more quickly than other fuel sources and significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fuels. However, it is essential to note that biofuels may not necessarily result in zero emissions.

Grieg Maritime Group, a company committed to sustainability, explores new fuel options through venture arms such as Grieg Edge. This venture arm invests in companies and opportunities with sustainability as a core principle and is moving towards zero emissions as a corporate principle. By investing in such companies, Grieg Maritime Group is not only supporting the development of new and innovative fuel technologies but also promoting a greener future for the maritime industry.

Through its sustainable investments, Grieg Maritime Group is contributing to developing solutions that could reduce the industry's carbon footprint. Their focus on sustainability aligns with the growing global concern about environmental conservation and climate change. By exploring and testing all possible solutions, the maritime industry can continue to move towards a greener future.

The Dangers of Concentrated Substances 

One significant challenge of using renewable fuels in the maritime industry is the potential danger associated with the concentration of these substances. Semipressurized ammonia and hydrogen also pose significant risks due to their hazardous nature. Ammonia is a toxic gas that can cause respiratory issues, and its storage requires extreme caution as it can react violently with other chemicals. 

Additionally, ammonia requires a specific temperature range to be transported safely, and any deviation from this range can result in safety risks. Hydrogen, on the other hand, possed more difficulty in storage and containment and is a highly flammable gas that requires careful handling due to its potential to ignite and cause explosions. It is also a cryogenic substance that must be stored at extremely low temperatures, which poses additional safety risks during storage and transportation.

Liquified natural gas (LNG) or Bio-LNG requires cryogenic temperatures to maintain its liquid state, and exposure to LNG can cause severe frostbite or cold burns. The industry must also consider the potential risks of handling and transporting liquified bio and natural gas, which require specialized crews and equipment. While LNG is not highly flammable, safety concerns are still related to its storage and transport, which require careful consideration and planning. 

The industry must prioritize upskilling across the maritime market to mitigate these risks, developing an unprecedented amount of new infrastructure and establishing production facilities for renewable fuels. It is essential to ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times. Industry stakeholders must collaborate to develop new safety standards and best practices for handling these hazardous materials.

Bio-Fuels

Another way Grieg Maritime Group is exploring new fuels is through using biofuels. Biofuels are produced from organic matter, such as plant materials, and they can be a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Grieg Maritime Group is exploring the use of biofuels in its vessels and is working to improve the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel use and production through collaboration.

Debates on Renewable Energy Use and Losses 

There are ongoing debates on where to focus the use of renewable energy and what level of energy loss is considered acceptable in producing and using these fuels. One of the main issues is the energy required to produce renewable fuels, which can lead to significant losses during the conversion process. For example, producing hydrogen fuel from renewable energy sources can result in losses of up to 75% due to the conversion process and energy storage requirements (Goeppert et al., 2012).

Another issue is the trade-off between energy efficiency and sustainability. For instance, the production of biofuels, while renewable, may require significant amounts of water and fertilizers, leading to adverse environmental impacts (Leite et al., 2017). These debates highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to evaluating the most sustainable and efficient ways to produce and utilize renewable fuels in the maritime industry.

One possible solution is to focus on producing renewable fuels using excess energy from wind farms. For example, wind turbines can produce electricity to generate hydrogen, synthetic ammonia, or methanol. This process, known as power-to-gas, can help mitigate the energy losses associated with the conversion process by utilizing excess energy that would otherwise go to waste (von der Assen et al., 2013). This approach aligns with the International Maritime Organization's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050, as outlined in their Initial Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. 

However, it remains to be seen how this will be resolved effectively, as 90 percent of hydrogen and most ammonia today are produced from fossil fuels.

Carbon Capture Technology and Circular Economy 

This technology has the potential to reduce emissions in the maritime industry significantly and has gained attention from major players in the field. Grieg Maritime Group's exploration of this technology demonstrates its commitment to sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint.

Moreover, the circular economy principles could further enhance the benefits of carbon capture technology. By utilizing captured carbon in other processes or recycling it, the industry can minimize waste and maximize the use of resources. 

The Need for Further Research and Innovation 

In the quest to transition to renewable fuels, it is crucial to acknowledge that the maritime industry cannot adopt a one-size-fits-all solution. Continuous research, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration are vital to finding the most effective and sustainable solutions. Different types of fuels, technologies, and energy-saving measures may be required depending on the specific requirements of each vessel and its operations.

Grieg Maritime Group is one of the companies leading the charge in exploring new and renewable fuels in the maritime industry. The company is committed to sustainability and is continuously testing and exploring new fuel options to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental conservation. By investing in new technologies and fuel sources, Grieg Maritime Group is working towards a greener future for the industry. Their focus on sustainability and continuous research and development of new fuel technologies will play a critical role in the maritime industry's future.

Conclusion

Grieg Maritime Group is committed to exploring and testing new fuel options to promote environmental conservation and reduce its carbon footprint. The company's focus on sustainability and continuous research and development of new fuel technologies will play a critical role in the maritime industry's future. 

As a responsible and environmentally conscious company, Grieg Maritime Group's ventures in various segments demonstrate their commitment to a greener future for the ocean industry. Matt Duke's unique background brings a fresh perspective to the industry and emphasizes the importance of sustainability and profitability in their business approach. With continuous research and innovation, the maritime industry can find the most effective and sustainable solutions to transition toward a greener future. 

It is imperative to prioritize sustainability and work together to overcome the challenges associated with renewable fuels. Grieg Maritime Group is leading the way in this effort by collaborating with other stakeholders in the maritime industry to share knowledge and promote innovation in the industry.

I am grateful for the time he took to sit down and discuss this with me.

References

• Comparative report on alternative fuels for ship propulsion

• Initial Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, IMO 

• Goeppert, A., Czaun, M., Jones, J. P., Surya Prakash, G. K., & Olah, G. A. (2012). Recycling of carbon dioxide to methanol and derived products—closing the loop. Chemical Society Reviews, 41(23), 7761-7786.

• Leite, G. A., da Costa Lopes, A. M., Pasa, V. M. D., de Figueiredo, T. A., & Mussatto, S. I. (2017). Environmental impacts of biofuels produced from oil palm, sugarcane and soybean: a review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 162, 1356-1365.

• von der Assen, N., Jung, J., Bardow, A., & Fahl, U. (2013). Power-to-gas: A review of the technological and economic potential. Energy & Environmental Science, 6(10), 2643-2667.