According to the ship manager Columbia Group, dual-fuel ships will define the coming decade in shipping. The company believes that LNG is currently the most practicable solution.
The Cyprus-based group of companies expects that around half of all new orders worldwide will be for dual-fuel ships by the end of 2025, of which around 70% will be equipped with LNG propulsion.
“Shipowners and operators are facing increasing regulation, and LNG has established itself as a bridging technology. It allows compliance with current standards and provides security for the coming years,” explained Duncan McLennan, Group Director Technical at Columbia Shipmanagement.
Investment costs and fuel management as challenges
However, the company also emphasizes the challenges: higher investment costs, more complex systems and significantly more demanding fuel management than with conventional ships. Operation requires precise planning when switching between LNG and conventional fuels such as VLSFO.
To support this, Columbia is increasingly relying on crew training. In addition to traditional instruction, simulation programs are used that cover fuel switching, handling cryogenic liquids and emergency procedures, among other things.
At the same time, the company is investing in digital solutions. Systems such as EngineLink + POCR are designed to support optimal operation between LNG and oil, anticipate maintenance requirements and record emissions data – including methane slip.
“Dual-fuel ships are complex machines. They require the interaction of technology, human expertise and digital support,” emphasized Mark O’Neil, President and CEO of the Columbia Group. Although they are not a final solution, they are an important bridge: “With the right management, they offer shipowners the opportunity to operate more safely, sustainably and efficiently until a widely accepted alternative fuel becomes established.”
Columbia launches ship management JV in Egypt
The Columbia Group has recently established the joint venture Columbia Pan Marine Ship Management Egypt with its long-term partner Pan Marine Shipping Services. The company will act as the official Columbia location in Egypt and will offer the full range of Columbia Shipmanagement and Columbia Group services.
With this step, Columbia is deepening its presence in the important maritime hub and expanding its cooperation with Pan Marine, which has been in place since 2023. Training and recruitment programs for Egyptian seafarers as well as initiatives on environmental compliance, alternative fuels and digital fleet management have already been launched. Strategically, the JV focuses on localization, digitalization and sustainability and aims to strengthen Egypt’s role as a hub between Europe, Africa and Asia.
Columbia also founded the joint venture Noatum – CSM with AD Ports Group this year, which aims to increase efficiency in third-party and group fleets.
