INVASIVE SPECIES LAW

Alfa Laval Acquires Anti-Fouling Tech as Attention Grows Toward Biofouling

Alfa Laval is adding an anti-fouling solution to its portfolio as biohazards are gaining greater focus and regulations (file photo)

Published Feb 5, 2025 8:31 PM by The Maritime Executive

Alfa Laval which has been working to expand its solutions to aid the maritime, offshore, and other heavy industries with the challenges of decarbonization is adding anti-fouling solutions to its offerings. The company based in Sweden has signed an agreement to acquire NRG Marine and its Sonihull Ultrasonic Antifouling solutions.

The acquisition is part of Alfa Laval’s strategy to provide customers with environmentally friendly solutions that can contribute to improving operations and addressing goals for net zero operations and decarbonization. Alfa Laval is adding applications that contribute to improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and extending the lifecycle of assets for the maritime sector as well as offshore oil and gas operations.

Biofouling is becoming an increasing concern both due to its operational impact as well as the growing focus on environmental considerations. Key regions such regions such as Australia and New Zealand have increased their biofouling regulations creating concerns for ships operating in the region. Several cruise ships drew attention when they were turned away from ports primarily in New Zealand due to biohazards that were identified on their hulls. It resulted in delays and costly impromptu efforts to clean the underwater surfaces.

The International Maritime Organization is also discussing the issues and the risks of spreading invasive species while operators are also seeking solutions to save fuel and operating costs. Similarly, the oil and gas sector continues to seek safe applications to prevent and clean growth from its stationary underwater surfaces.

NRG Marine reports it set out in 2006 to develop an environmentally friendly anti-fouling technology against a backdrop of increasingly stringent legislation governing the use of poisonous biocides in marine coatings. Its offering is a proactive technology that utilizes ultrasonic microscopic bubbles that implode, creating agitation that disrupts the surface environment. The system operates continuously and is a non-invasive method that passively cleans the surface.

Ultrasonic anti-fouling technology they report is emerging as a promising alternative to other methods. It does not require harsh chemicals or removing the ship from the water to clean the hull. The companies highlight it is a sustainable technology that is cost-effective for the operators and can be installed on any ship with no requirements for through-hull fittings. 

“The inclusion of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology into our portfolio is another addition to our decarbonization toolbox,” said Sameer Kalra, the President Marine Division of Alfa Laval. “By addressing the critical problem of biofouling with this advanced technique, we will enable our customers to meet both business and environmental objectives.”

Alfa Laval, which traces its origins to the 1880s, is well-known in the marine sector for its pumps, as well as its systems for fuel, oil, water, and other applications. It has been expanding its product lines with solutions including ballast water treatment, air lubrication, heat transfer, and exhaust gas as well as its participation in Oceanbird, a wind-assisted propulsion technology. The company expects to close the acquisition of NRG Marine in the second quarter of 2025.

 

Windward Launches AI Solution to Counter Maritime Infrastructure Threats

Published Feb 9, 2025 10:19 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

[By Windward]

Windward, the leading Maritime AI company, today announced the launch of its Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution, a first-of-its-kind AI-powered solution designed to protect the world's essential maritime infrastructure including cables, pipelines, and rigs against growing threats.

Recent suspected attacks on undersea cables globally, as well as the sabotage of oil pipelines in recent years, have demonstrated the vulnerability of global energy and data networks and the vital need to secure them. The solution combines the Windward-mapped proprietary cable layer and integrated user data with its best-in-class AI-based behavioral pattern detection to empower organizations ranging from government and intelligence agencies to telecommunication and energy companies to identify, monitor, and mitigate risks before they cause disruption. It also supports post-investigations, providing evidence to insurers and law enforcement agencies.

Maritime infrastructure is the backbone of global connectivity and economic stability. Deep sea cables transmit approximately 95% of all international data and underwater pipelines transport critical energy resources, including natural gas and crude oil, across continents. According to a threat analysis by Insikt Group, there is an average of more than 100 cable faults a year, and the proximity of recent faults to areas of geopolitical conflict and reports of suspected intentional damage are causes for concern. Recent examples of cables damaged by anchors in the Baltic Sea and near Taiwan as well as the explosion that severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines in 2022 highlight the need for increased monitoring of critical infrastructure at sea.

Windward's Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution addresses three primary threats to maritime infrastructure, deep-sea research operations, shallow-water sabotage, and attacks on offshore oil rigs and platforms. The AI-powered solution monitors high-risk vessels to flag suspicious activities, be it a rogue state research vessel in the deep sea, or a shadow fleet vessel in shallow waters or in close proximity to oil rigs. The platform accesses historical data, behavioral patterns, and predictive analytics with real-time monitoring alerts, powered by the integrated Dataminr feed, to enable users to proactively assess and mitigate threats. MAI Expert™, Windward's virtual subject matter expert provides comprehensive risk analysis and context.

For enforcement agencies—including defense and intelligence organizations, coast guards, and navies—Windward's Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution provides the tools and insights to detect, monitor, and mitigate hostile activities targeting subsea infrastructure. The platform enables real-time tracking of high-risk areas and protected zones, delivers detailed threat intelligence, and facilitates post-incident investigations through proprietary data layers, risk models, and advanced analytics.

For private organizations stakeholders, such as telecom infrastructure providers, energy companies, oil and gas operators, and tech giants with subsea assets, Windward's solution offers monitoring capabilities to safeguard extensive cable, pipeline networks, and offshore rigs. Organizations can add their proprietary data, set customized risk parameters, and define alerts based on their specific infrastructure needs above or under the waters.

"The economic and geopolitical implications of undersea infrastructure sabotage are staggering," said Ami Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO of Windward. "Beyond the immediate disruptions, national stability and financial implications for businesses relying on cables for connectivity and operational continuity are immense. While recent incidents remain under investigation, the growing risks—whether accidental or intentional—underscore the urgent need for advanced monitoring. With our Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection solution, we aim to defend all stakeholders from this new kind of warfare."
 

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

 

Maersk Forecasts Container Volume Growth While Profits Decline in 2025

Maersk predicts it will grow volumes in pace with the industry but foresees declining profits in the year ahead

Published Feb 6, 2025 4:52 PM by The Maritime Executive

 

Despite continued global uncertainties, Maersk is forecasting the container market will grow by a healthy four percent in 2025 and that the company will remain at pace with the market. The company gave a positive outlook for 2025 after highlighting that 2024 was the third-best financial performance in its history.

Starting 2024, Maersk had issued a cautious note citing the factors disrupting the market and a collapse in rates that overtook the market in the latter part of 2023. Faced with the problems in the Red Sea, the prospects of dramatically higher costs, and a potential slowdown in the global economy, Maersk like its peers forecast a difficult year. Instead, the company highlights all three of its business segments performed well benefitting from a significant increase in freight rates, strong volume demand, and cost discipline.

Reporting financial results for 2024 today, Maersk dramatically outperformed analyst forecasts with earnings (EBIT) up 65 percent to $6.5 billion. Revenues from the ocean shipping business were over $37 billion for the year while total revenues across all the business were nearly $55 billion. Despite longer steaming distances for the routes going around Africa and increased fuel costs, it was able to stabilize operating costs and benefit from the higher freight rates.

“Our ability to navigate shifting circumstances and ensure steady supply chains for our customers was put to the test throughout 2024,” noted Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk. “We successfully capitalized on increased demand while enhancing productivity and rigorously managing costs — all of which contributed to our strong financial performance.”

Speaking with reporters, Clerc downplayed the focus on tariffs saying more of the outlook depends on how consumers react and demand. For the industry, he cites the continued imbalance in supply and demand as new, larger vessels continue to be delivered but he said the potential remains to largely offset the supply-side drivers with strong market demand.

The Red Sea and its impact on the market continues to be one of the largest uncertainties according to Maersk, which like all the major carriers, continues to divert around Africa. On the optimistic side, Clerc said they might see a mid-year return but noted that with increased capacity, rates were likely to decline and drive Maersk to the low end of its outlook. However, if the return to the Red Sea continues to be deferred till the end of the year, Maersk believes the market remains strong and it will be driven to the high end of its forecast.

Based on the uncertainties and the “considerable macroeconomic” issues, Maersk however foresees strong declines in profits in 2025. In the worst scenario, EBITDA could be at $6 billion which would be half 2024 levels. In the strongest case, the forecast calls for EBITDA of $9 billion which would still be below 2023 levels.

Investors were encouraged by the performance and did not show strong concern about the outlook. At one point during the day, they drove the stock price up by 10 percent and it settled up more than six percent on the day. Maersk is seen by many as an indicator not only for the industry but also for the broader economy and trade.

Management emphasized its ability to adapt to the market in what will be a challenging year. While the company remains committed to its strategy, it is also taking a large risk in its shipping operations as it abandons the alliance with MSC Mediterranean Shipping and begins a challenging transition to a new approach with an overhauled route system. Most of the first half of the year will be spent transitioning to the new Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd which uses a hub and feeder system on its key routes. The goal is to drive schedule reliability with a goal of 90 percent on time believing it will differentiate the service and support higher freight rates due to the reliability of the service.

 

Charting the Course for the Maritime Energy Transition in the Nordics

Leveraging the collaborative spirit for innovation

Medstraum, the world’s first fully electric fast ferry (Kolumbus / Tram)

Published Feb 9, 2025 1:41 PM by Mikael Lind et al.

 

 

[By Mikael Lind, Wolfgang Lehmacher, Andreas Bach, and Nina Egeli]

The maritime industry is vital for global trade but significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Nordic countries, renowned for their innovative and sustainable practices, are taking decisive strides toward decarbonizing maritime transport. However, technological limitations, regulatory gaps, and infrastructure bottlenecks challenge the journey. This article explores the state-of-the-art maritime energy transition in the Nordics, the policies driving this change, and the resulting future opportunities.

The Case for Change

Shipping accounts for approximately 3% of global GHG emissions, projected to rise with economic growth. With their extensive maritime sectors, the Nordic nations are uniquely positioned to lead the energy and maritime transition through strategies such as:

• Fuel Switching: Transitioning to new energy carriers, e.g. methanol and biofuels
• Electrification: Fully or hybrid
• Wind assisted ship propulsion (WASP)
• On board carbon capture (OCC)
• Collaboration: Decarbonization will require coordinated efforts among governments, industry players, and research institutions to overcome barriers, such as resource scarcity, infrastructure gaps, and competition for low-carbon energy sources. A collaborative approach between the Nordic nations is essential for a sustainable future.

Policy Landscape

Nordic countries are setting ambitious GHG reduction targets for maritime transport, supported by a complex web of international, European Union (EU), and national policies:

International Regulations: The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) GHG reduction strategy aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, but gaps in regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies like hydrogen and ammonia persist. The IMO has introduced measures like the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) to improve efficiency. The EEDI applies to newly constructed vessels, affecting a limited portion of global shipping tonnage. The CII was implemented to promote the reduction of CO2 emissions from ships in service.

EU Initiatives: The "Fit for 55" package integrates maritime transport into the Emissions Trading System (ETS) and mandates onshore power supply (OPS) for major ports by 2030. Complementary measures include the FuelEU Maritime initiative, which sets carbon intensity targets for ships, and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive, aiming to ensure infrastructure readiness for alternative fuels.

National Actions: Each Nordic country has tailored strategies. Norway’s Action Plan for Green Shipping emphasizes zero-emission ferries and hydrogen hubs, while Denmark’s "Towards Zero" strategy focuses on sustainable fuels like ammonia and methanol. Sweden and Finland invest in electrification and biofuels; Iceland is leveraging its renewable energy resources to drive maritime innovation.

Nordic initiatives: The Nordic governments have joined forces under a shared vision, stating that the Nordic region will become the world’s most integrated and sustainable region by 2030. Decarbonizing the maritime sector is an essential part of this vision, and Nordic collaboration and joint innovation are key enablers. Nordic Innovation, an organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers, has been running a Nordic Smart Mobility and Connectivity program since 2018, including a Green Shipping and a Sea Meets Land Mobility Mission for the maritime sector.  In 2022, all Nordic Ministers for Environment and Climate approved a Declaration on zero-emission shipping routes between Nordic countries. Finland could become a neutral technology provider.

Innovation in the Nordics

The Nordics are at the forefront of maritime innovation, advancing electrification, alternative fuels, and other solutions like onboard carbon capture (OCC) and wind assisted ship propulsion (WASP).

Regarding electrification, Norway is leading with extensive onshore power supply (OPS) facilities and a growing fleet of hybrid and fully electric ships. Since 2020, Norway has funded 263 battery-powered aquaculture ships, 39 battery-powered fishing ships, and 12 battery-powered offshore ships. Today, 103 out of Norway’s 230 ferries are electrified. Medstraum, the world’s first fully electric fast ferry, indicates the potential for high-speed, zero-emission passenger transport.

Other Nordic nations are increasing their investments in battery-electric ferries and charging infrastructure. Denmark has innovated the delivery of electricity offshore, e.g., at green anchorage zones or wind farms.

Hydrogen is another area of focus, with Norway operating a hydrogen-powered ferry, Hydra, while supporting the development of hydrogen hubs for maritime use. The first pilot for a hydrogen value chain will be operational in 2025, featuring the first approved filling station for pressurized hydrogen and the first ocean-going hydrogen vessel. Aimed for operation between Oslo and Rotterdam, two container ships operating on liquid hydrogen are being developed. By also exploring zero-emission trucks on both ends, a green transport route will be established.

Ammonia-powered ships and associated fuel infrastructure are explored within the Norwegian Green Shipping Program, and the Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network project. Like hydrogen, ammonia has a zero-carbon combustion profile, although life-cycle emissions associated with its production must be considered, and challenges to safety and regulatory standards remain. To accelerate regulatory development, a complete base document for draft Interim Guidelines on the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel was developed in the Nordic roadmap project and submitted to IMO. In 2022, Norway provided support for 5 hydrogen hubs and 16 ships. However, the allocated funding only led to investment decisions for one hub and two ships. The 2024 call for applications, in which funding was allocated to six ammonia-powered ships, offers an increased investment support rate. However, the industry continues to highlight significant challenges related to OPEX and high market uncertainty.

Sweden has pioneered the adoption of methanol, notably with Stena Germanica, which has driven new projects throughout the region. The use of methanol requires the retrofitting of engines and tank systems. Methanol for the propulsion of cargo ships has been assessed by prominent Danish engine designers and global container carriers, and major classification societies and the Danish Maritime Authority have given approvals. Internal combustion engines for the world fleet operating on methane, methanol, or ammonia have been developed in Finland and Denmark.

A concern with methanol and ammonia is their toxicity, which has profound health implications upon exposure. On the other hand, the maritime industry transports hazardous chemicals. Both ammonia and methanol can be considered common industry chemicals and, therefore, not extremely difficult to handle onboard.  Instead, compared to traditional ones, the high costs associated with zero-emission fuel solutions are by many considered the main barrier to implementation, which is also valid for hydrogen and methanol.

Meanwhile, biofuels, including liquefied biogas (LBG), are increasingly blended with liquified natural gas (LNG) to lower emissions, offering a transitional solution as infrastructure for other alternatives develops.

Three interrelated maritime value chains (Figure 1) are critical in decarbonizing shipping: marine fuel, shipbuilding, and maritime operational value chains. The marine fuel value chain provides sustainable fuel, the shipbuilding value chain produces ships and engines that run with green fuels, and the maritime operational value chain operates the ships with alternative fuels.

Figure 1: Three interdependent value chains and their dependency in the maritime sector

Production of sustainable fuels must be ramped up. While green methanol is hardly available, current green ammonia production would have to nearly double to switch 30% of shipping to this alternative fuel. In Finland, several projects are targeted to produce hydrogen to meet the increasing demand for ammonia.

Onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) can be applied as an alternative/complement to fuel switch. Sweden is emphasizing OCCS through the Stena Impero project which demonstrated the technical feasibility of OCCS systems, showing a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 20% annually, with a manageable fuel consumption penalty of under 10%. OCCS systems require significant energy to operate. The initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) for installing OCCS systems is high, and operational expenditures (OPEX) increase due to higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Storing and offloading infrastructure remains to be built, and solutions such as ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore transfer of captured CO2 must be developed. Transportation and storage of captured CO2 is taking place in the Danish underground. Project Greensand has demonstrated that safe transportation of CO2 for injection into a depleted oil field is possible. The goal of Greensand is to store up to 400,000 tonnes of CO2 annually in the initial phase, with plans to increase capacity to up to 8 million tons annually by 2030.

Nordic countries are also making strides in wind assisted ship propulsion (WASP) technologies. Installing rotor sails on commercial vessels has demonstrated significant fuel savings and emission reductions, and amortization periods are reasonable. These innovative solutions harness wind energy to complement conventional propulsion systems, offering an immediate and scalable pathway to reducing maritime carbon footprints, with no unwanted consequences and infrastructure to be built. Some bridges and port equipment represent limited constraints. By leveraging advanced materials and aerodynamic designs, these systems align with the region's commitment to sustainable innovation and exemplify how traditional practices can be reimagined for modern sustainability goals.

The Green and Digital Corridor Initiative

Several Nordic-level maritime initiatives and innovation projects have been conducted over the years; some have been founded on well-established collaboration structures, while others have entailed the establishment of new cross-border ecosystems and networks. Building on insights from the Nordic Innovation-funded Maren project and its follow-up extension and the ambitions of the Clydebank declaration signed at COP26, Nordic countries are planning to establish a "Green and Digital e2e-Corridors in the Nordics" initiative as a transformative step towards sustainable transport. Anchored in the Umeå-Vasa maritime corridor and extending to the Umeå-Trondheim rail corridor, this initiative connects the Baltic Sea with the Atlantic Ocean via the Trondheim Fjord, exemplifying a multimodal green and digital corridor, reducing dependency on road freight while increasing the efficiency of transport.

This initiative's heart is the Umeå-Vasa maritime corridor, a critical route linking the Nordic region’s eastern and western transport systems. This corridor, complemented by the Umeå-Trondheim rail connections, exemplifies the integration of maritime and adjacent transport modes, forming a seamless end-to-end (e2e) logistics chain emphasizing sustainability, digitalization, and resilience. This corridor will significantly contribute to integrating the Nordic region and to seamless and connected cross-border mobility.

The corridor’s digital capabilities use the Virtual Watch Tower (VWT) initiative, enabling:

• Real-Time Emissions Tracking: Utilizing VWT technology for emissions calculations and transparency.
• Sustainability Leadership: Incorporating fossil-free fuels with clean ships while utilizing electricity-powered trains to minimize carbon footprints.

By integrating real-time emissions tracking, data-sharing technologies as the foundation for the use of advanced supply chain optimization tools, VWT fosters transparency, enhances disruption management, and is expected to support synchronized fuel provision as an additional use case to VWT. This community-driven approach enables stakeholders to co-create solutions and share primary data, optimizing logistics operations and reducing GHG emissions.

The corridor is also a sustainability leader, incorporating fossil-free fuels with one of the cleanest ships, Aurora Botnia. It also uses electricity-powered trains and onshore power supply systems to ensure the ship runs on electricity while docked and during operations in and out of the port.

The Umeå-Vasa-Trondheim corridor is a collaborative Living Lab for green and digital solutions that solve real-life problems. The initiative will be aligned with the efforts pursued in the Vinnova-funded “Green node in a Green Corridor”, capturing the ports’ emissions in Umeå and Vasa. Stakeholders such as shippers, transport operators, port authorities, fuel providers, and terminal operators work together to validate prototypes and refine technological solutions for scalability.

As a pilot project, the corridor expanded beyond the maritime corridor, will demonstrate how integrated green and digital corridors can operate at scale. The insights will inform similar initiatives across the Nordic region and beyond, positioning the Nordics as a global leader in sustainable logistics.

Market Formation Challenges and Policy Recommendations

Despite continuous progress, the market for alternative fuels is still in its infancy. High initial investments and limited production capacity hinder adoption, as many alternative fuels remain considerably more expensive than conventional marine fuels. Regulatory uncertainty further slows development, particularly around standards for emerging fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. Harmonizing regulations across countries and ensuring compatibility with international standards are critical to overcoming these barriers. Additionally, infrastructure gaps pose a significant challenge. Ports require substantial upgrades to support bunkering and OPS for alternative fuels. Developing hydrogen and ammonia bunkering facilities necessitates coordinated planning and significant capital investment. The participating stakeholders must be digitally integrated to coordinate and optimize their activities.

The MAREN project addresses these challenges by emphasizing several policy priorities.

• Strengthen Market Incentives: Enforce GHG taxation, promote green public procurement, and implement stricter environmental requirements for offshore operations that encompass the entire lifecycle and fishing licenses.
• Level the Playing Field for Alternative Fuels: Introduce the polluter-pays principle.
• Build Regulatory Capacity: Develop standards for alternative fuels and build emerging technology expertise to address cross-sectoral value chain bottlenecks
• Mobilize Resources: Fund research and development (R&D) and support port infrastructure upgrades.
• De-Risk Investments: Use contracts for difference (CfD)[1] to accelerate innovation.
• Adopting a holistic value chain approach: Consider the interrelated value chains (Figure 1) to ensure the alignment of renewable energy production with maritime decarbonization goals. and consider the entire lifecycle of alternative fuels, from production to end use, to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable maritime energy transition.

Conclusion – The Corridor Ahead

The maritime energy transition in the Nordics reflects the region’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Innovation is more than just creating new technologies—it involves building markets, mobilizing resources, and gaining societal acceptance, all crucial for the success of sustainable solutions in maritime transport.

Collaborative initiatives like the "Green and Digital e2e-Corridors in the Nordics" provide a roadmap for scaling green and digital technologies. By addressing regulatory gaps, fostering innovation, and investing in infrastructure, the Nordics can set a global benchmark for sustainable shipping. The collaborative model rooted in the Nordics can be seen as a role model for the world in terms of how actors could come together to tackle grand challenges.

Decarbonizing maritime end-to-end supply chains is a global imperative. The Nordics' proactive approach—supported by ambitious policies and collaborative frameworks—demonstrates that sustainable maritime transport is achievable. As these nations continue to innovate, their experiences will serve as a blueprint for global efforts toward a zero-emission maritime industry.

Acknowledgment

We are grateful for the comments provided by Valdemar Ehlers (Danish Maritime), Cecilia Gabrielii (SINTEF Energy), Ida Kallmyr Lerheim (RENERGY), Teemu Manderbacka (VTT), Lasse Pohjala (VASEK), and Jon Björn Skulason (Icelandic New Energy Ltd), in the development of this article.

About the authors

Mikael Lind is the world’s first (adjunct) Professor of Maritime Informatics engaged at Chalmers, and Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE). He is a well-known expert frequently published in international trade press, is co-editor of the first two books on Maritime Informatics, and is co-editor of the book Maritime Decarbonization.

Wolfgang Lehmacher is a global supply chain expert, partner at Anchor Group, and advisor at Topan AG. The former director at the World Economic Forum, and CEO Emeritus of GeoPost Intercontinental, is an advisory board member of The Logistics and Supply Chain Management Society, ambassador F&L, and advisor Global:SF and RISE. He contributes to the knowledge base of Maritime Informatics and co-editor of the book Maritime Decarbonization.

Andreas Bach is Director of Maritime Systems Innovation at RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden and Manager of Swedish Maritime Technology Forum, SMTF. Andreas has long experience in the maritime domain focusing on leadership, the transition towards a sustainable industry and maritime innovation systems.

Nina Egeli is head of Nordic Smart mobility and Connectivity at Nordic Innovation. Nordic Innovation aims to make the Nordics (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) a pioneering region for sustainable growth and works to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and competitiveness in Nordic business. Nordic Innovation is an organisation under the Nordic Council of Ministers.

[1] A Contract for Difference is a private law contract between a low-carbon fuel producer and a government entity, designed to stabilize prices and encourage investment in renewable energy technologies.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.

Propelled by Innovation

The maritime sector is evolving at the pace of technology, reducing its environmental impact while improving speed and efficiency.

Courtesy Anemoi

Published Feb 9, 2025 8:13 PM by Chad Fuhrmann

(Article originally published in Nov/Dec 2024 edition.)

The maritime sector is evolving at the pace of technology, reducing its environmental impact while improving speed and efficiency. Pioneering companies like MAN and Anemoi – with long histories in the industry – are championing unique solutions that honor tradition and learn from the past.

Government perspectives, social attitudes and regulatory efforts aimed at the maritime industry’s environmental impact are shifting and swaying. Meanwhile, manufacturers with deep roots across industry sectors are leaning on their long experience to carry them through uncertain times.

MAN Energy Solutions has been at the forefront of marine propulsion for over a century. From pioneering the first diesel engine in collaboration with Rudolf Diesel to adapting to greener propulsion technologies, the company unites tried and true power with innovation to meet the changing demands of an evolving industry.

"Today, over half of global trade is moved by our engines," says Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President & Head of Two-Stroke Business. The company’s portfolio now includes advanced two- and four-stroke engines, hybrid propulsion systems and exhaust after-treatment technologies, all designed to enhance operational efficiency and environmental performance.

Anemoi Marine Technologies represents a different twist on propulsion based on an ancient concept – harnessing the power of the wind. The U.K.-based company is championing a resurgence in rotor sail technology as a means of reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

Anemoi traces its origins to Costas Apodiakos, who envisioned wind propulsion as a cleaner alternative during the 1970s. The company has since become the leader in rotor sail development, demonstrating that wind-propulsion technology can align with modern shipping operations.

“Rotor sails have been around for a century,” says CEO Kim Diederichsen, “but are only now emerging as a practical solution.”

Energy Transition

The shipping industry is at a crossroads with alternative propulsion systems and fuels reshaping vessel design at both the concept stage as well as retrofits.

A key player in the energy transition, MAN is spearheading the global effort to decarbonize shipping. Orders for its methanol-powered engines have surged in 2024. Additionally, the company is developing the first ammonia-powered engine with successful test runs completed and production underway in Japan.

Retrofitting also plays a crucial role in the transition. In a milestone project, MAN supported the Maersk Halifax in becoming the first large in-service vessel to be converted to methanol propulsion. “The transition isn’t just about newbuilds,” Foldager states. “It’s about retrofitting the existing fleet to operate efficiently with green fuels.”

While some alternatives may spur controversy, MAN advocates for flexibility as the maritime sector explores fuel substitutes. “We see a diverse fuel mix shaping the future with ammonia, methanol and LNG leading the way,” Foldager says, projecting that ammonia will surpass methanol by 2035. MAN’s dual-fuel engines are designed to support this flexibility, ensuring vessels remain adaptable as the industry evolves.

Similarly, Anemoi plays a significant role in the energy transition.

Designed to harness wind power for auxiliary propulsion, rotor sails represent a confluence of engineering expertise and operational adaptability. The sails can reduce fuel consumption and emissions and offer flexible deployment systems including folding and rail-mounted configurations.

"Our designs ensure that cargo operations remain unaffected, which is critical for adoption across vessel types,” Diederichsen explains. Installations can be completed in as little as 23 days, demonstrating the readiness of wind propulsion to make an immediate impact.

Both companies approach propulsion technology from different perspectives but share similar objectives. They aim not just to improve efficiency and emissions today but are committed to long-term sustainability. It’s a commitment that aligns with evolving social views on environmental stewardship and the IMO’s goal of net-zero shipping by 2050.

Focus on Sustainability

This focus on sustainability comes at a pivotal time for the shipping industry with mounting regulatory pressures and a collective push for decarbonization by regional and international authorities.

Many stakeholders simply wait to see what those changes will entail. Forward-looking companies, however, are making a point of sitting at the table and assisting in developing rules that will not only have the desired impact on the environment but also make sense for the industry.

Anemoi’s ability to navigate stringent maritime standards has bolstered its position as a trusted industry partner. Collaborations with classification societies like Lloyd’s Register and DNV ensure its rotor sails meet rigorous safety and operational standards. Where those standards may not exist, Anemoi is working to develop them, working closely with regulatory bodies to facilitate compliance with measures such as EEDI (energy efficiency design index) and EEXI (energy efficiency existing ship index).

Alternative fuels are faced with their own level of scrutiny.

Ammonia, for example, is highly toxic. As a groundbreaking manufacturer of ammonia-capable engines, MAN Energy Solutions works tirelessly to ensure that robust safety measures including sensors, double-walled pipes and system ventilation are not just installed but required by classification societies and regulatory bodies.

“Safety comes first, and we must ensure crew protection while maximizing operational efficiency,” says Foldager.

MAN is not only driving innovation but advocating for policy changes that will accelerate decarbonization, pushing the IMO to define concrete measures to meet its decarbonization targets by 2025. A global CO2 mechanism for shipping is viewed as essential to making green fuels and efficiency technologies viable.

Building Value Chains

The global pandemic brought to light not just the critical importance of the shipping industry but also the overarching challenge of shifting supply chains. Some of these lessons resulted in incredible innovations with far-reaching impact across the industry.

The rising demand for rotor sails prompted Anemoi to scale production capacity to 75 units annually. The company has further streamlined its global supply chain. Combined with efficient installation practices, Anemoi can supply new construction as well as ensure minimal vessel downtime during retrofits.

In late 2023, MAN launched its “Value Chain Resilience” program to facilitate a unified, robust global value chain capable of supporting decarbonization efforts. “Our vision is to deliver a stable supply chain that supports customers and drives growth,” Foldager notes.

Digitalization is a cornerstone of MAN Energy Solutions’ forward-leaning strategy. The company’s MAN CEON platform offers real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance to optimize engine performance. Complementary tools like PrimeServ Assist and Asset+ further enhance efficiency by limiting unnecessary maintenance via condition-based monitoring and reducing fuel consumption through advanced engine-control technologies.

As in the age of sail, wind-powered vessels benefit most when able to take advantage of prevailing weather conditions. Anemoi’s partnership with NAPA, a Finnish-based global maritime software company, combines its wind-assisted innovation with NAPA’s weather-routing and voyage optimization. The combination further enhances both companies’ value propositions and maximizes the efficiency of rotor sails, achieving fuel savings of up to 25 percent when combined with favorable routing.

Reshaping the Future

With their rich histories and forward-looking approaches, industry pioneers like Anemoi Marine Technologies and MAN Energy Solutions share a vision that transcends individual projects and lays out a course toward an efficient maritime industry.

As the industry transitions to a greener future, these companies are poised to lead the way through groundbreaking technologies, strategic collaborations and a commitment to safety and innovation.

Both MAN and Anemoi share similar perspectives – that the future is much more than a technological challenge. It represents an opportunity to redefine the industry. Anemoi’s Diederichsen sums it up best, saying, “It’s not just about technology. It’s about reshaping the future of shipping.” 

Chad Fuhrmann is the founder of Revolution Consulting X Engineering.

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.

 

Tech Enhancements Bring Smoother Sailing to International Commerce

Published Feb 4, 2025 12:44 PM by Jeffrey Beisler-Snell, PhD

 

 

The difficulties facing global trade and the global supply chains have been widely documented over the past few years. The outlook for global trade remains murky in 2025 with the threat of tariffs and ongoing shifts in geopolitics. Despite headwinds, the World Trade Organization is projecting world merchandise trade growth to increase three percent this year. 

With growth in the market, however, comes an even greater influx of information. This is especially true for businesses engaged in maritime transport, as a projected oversupply of available shipping space will likely lead to more options for businesses to parse through. This increase in options comes at a time of increasingly complex supply chains, which only adds to the information that businesses must evaluate and can decrease the visibility businesses have into the process from start to finish. How businesses handle the influx of information that comes with more options can make all the difference between profit and loss, and visibility into the process is key to making informed decisions.

Digital Transformation of Maritime Finance

As globalization and international trade have expanded in recent decades, innovation has been a critical part of the process nearly every step of the way. Maritime trade in particular has evolved tremendously, from large wooden ships to steamer ships to the massive container ships we see on the waters today. Other innovations, such as the magnetic compass and the Panama Canal, have helped to simplify navigation and shipping routes along the way. 

Today, maritime trade is experiencing a technological renaissance as businesses look for increased transparency and flexibility along with decreased costs. According to a report from PwC, the maritime software market is expected to reach $2.9 billion by 2028. While some innovations, such as autonomous ships, are still in the final stages of testing and early stages of use, other technologies are already changing the game. For example, e-documents are currently being used to save as much as $5.5 billion. Like many industries, artificial intelligence is also revolutionizing maritime trade through cost negotiations, negotiating purchasing terms, compliance checks, freight audits, and route optimization.

Similar to the physical processes of maritime trade, the financing aspect is always evolving. On the one hand tariffs and other fees associated with cross-border trade are always in flux. A recent development worth noting is the number of parties that can be involved in trade financing has increased. Initially, banks, importers, and exporters dominated maritime trade finance. Today, however, trade financing companies, insurers, and export credit agencies have entered the fold to increase options for businesses. The drawback to this development is that maritime trade financing has become somewhat fragmented, and many businesses do not have end-to-end transparency into the process.

For all the investment in navigational and tracking technology across the maritime trade landscape, there is also tremendous opportunity to deliver digital payments innovations to streamline the financial side of maritime trade and increase transparency—and banks are the perfect candidate to lead this charge.

Accelerate Trade: A New Way to Bank

One example of banking technology designed to help revolutionize maritime trade financing is AccelerateTM Trade, an advanced, automated, digital trade finance portal from Synovus Bank. 

As global trade—and maritime trade in particular—became increasingly digitalized, Synovus recognized the need to digitalize the payments process to help bring the entire trade operation online. Accelerate Trade does just that by allowing banks to initiate and monitor transactions 24/7 without having to call the bank or submit paperwork. Through this product, businesses can maximize efficiency, optimize processing and reduce risk for commercial letters of credit (import and export), standby letters of credit, guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, documentary collections, financing, and more. Accelerate Trade users can also leverage features such as user-driven reporting, alerts and calendaring to track their trade financing process.

For maritime trade specifically, Accelerate Trade can be combined with another Synovus offering, AccelerateTM FX, to conduct foreign exchange and trade activities securely. 

By bundling all of these services into one solution, Synovus offers businesses a high degree of visibility into their trade financing activities from start to finish. Accelerate Trade also helps businesses see the entire picture of their trade financing operation by consolidating key information for multiple transactions into one view. Access to all of this information gives business decision-makers the insights they need to improve operational efficiency and enter the new era of maritime trade.

In spite of economic and geopolitical headwinds, global trade, driven by maritime trade, appears poised to continue its steady growth. Automation and emerging technology have begun to revolutionize maritime trade operations throughout the process. Through products like Accelerate Trade, banks are making sure that the financing for these operations evolves to meet the needs of the modern market, too.

For more information or to schedule a demo of Accelerate Trade, please visit: https://www.synovus.com/corporate/accelerate-trade/

This article is sponsored by Synovus Bank. Jeffrey Beisler-Snell is Head of International Banking at Synovus Bank.
 

The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Maritime Executive.