One of Hydac’s goals is to support the shipping industry on the path to greater sustainability. With this in mind, the company hosts its annual “Maritime Competence Day” – this year for the fifth time.
With the “Maritime Competence Day”, Hydac has created an industry event that serves as a platform for exchange between various maritime players. Current trends in the industry are discussed. This year, the focus was on the use of alternative fuels and solutions for reducing CO₂.
The topic was examined from various perspectives: Representatives from shipyards, shipping companies, suppliers and associations presented their latest projects, products and findings.
One of the shipbuilding projects presented as part of the “Maritime Competence Day” was the research vessel “Coriolis”. It was built at the Hitzler shipyard by Marek and Kai Klimenko. As the two shipyard bosses reported, the ship is a pioneer in terms of sustainability with fuel cells, NOₓ filters and batteries on board. The construction of the ship itself was also sustainable and efficient: using the latest 3D technology, it was planned in detail and cost-efficiently before actual production.
Adjusting screws for more efficiency
Sustainability in shipping can be achieved not only through innovative technologies, but also through smart operation. Dirk Knollmann from Bachmann explained how intelligent monitoring and maintenance of on-board systems can increase operational efficiency.
Alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol or hydrogen are another building block on the way to more sustainable shipping. In this context, the host Hydac presented its product range.
The company, which specializes in filtration and lubricating oil maintenance, has specifically geared its portfolio towards the fuels of the future and offers suitable filter and treatment solutions for both gaseous and liquid fuels that contribute to sustainability in shipping.
Rolling backwards?
Although the industry has increasingly focused on alternative drives in recent years and both shipyards and suppliers have included corresponding products and services in their portfolios, this sector is currently stagnating. According to some industry representatives, the opposite trend is even emerging.
“Everything is moving in the direction of conventional and LNG,” warned Benjamin Weinacht in the concluding discussion. Weinacht, head of the Belgian shipping group CMB in Germany, has observed that the industry is increasingly turning back to standard propulsion options. One reason for this is the problematic supply of alternative fuels. In addition, many projects were thought too big. He therefore advocated taking smaller, feasible steps: “The momentum will soon be gone. We need to step on the gas,” was his appeal.
