The marine sector is increasingly under pressure from the EU and the IMO to lower greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a push for sustainable fuel solutions. However, transitioning to next-generation fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol presents significant challenges. Existing vessels must undergo expensive and time-consuming refits, leading to extended periods out of service. This not only incurs substantial costs but also disrupts global trade, causing further financial losses for shipping companies.
MSAR® and bioMSAR™ technologies offer a practical alternative, enabling shipping companies to cut emissions without requiring costly and disruptive vessel modifications. The only necessary change is the installation of an affordable fuel booster unit, which can be done while the vessel remains operational, avoiding the need for extensive refits. These fuels are particularly effective in modern diesel engines with electronic injection systems, which are common in ships built after 2010.
According to Clarksons, there are approximately 12,000 large ships with such engines, representing 11% of the global fleet by number but 40% by engine power capacity. These vessels are prime candidates for conversion to MSAR® and bioMSAR™, offering a significant opportunity to reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
Although it may not be possible to apply these cleaner technologies across the entire global fleet, targeting vessels with the highest environmental impact is a viable approach. Converting to bioMSAR™ can immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, with potential for further reductions in the future. Meanwhile, MSAR® could decrease emissions by up to 5-10% with minimal costs and disruptions, thereby extending the useful life of existing vessels.
As the demand for emission-reducing technologies in the maritime industry continues to rise, the speed, cost, and return on investment of implementing these solutions will be critical. MSAR® and bioMSAR™ provide a cost-effective means of reducing maritime emissions without causing major disruption to the shipping industry.
Quadrise plc (LON:QED) is an energy technology provider whose solutions enable production of cheaper, cleaner, simpler and safer alternatives to fuel oil and biofuels, proven in real world applications. Quadrise technologies produce transition fuels called MSAR® and bioMSAR™, which allow clients in the shipping, utilities and industrial sectors to reduce carbon emissions whilst also saving costs.