Update on the ‘Emissions from Maritime Transport: Regulations and Solution’ event held on Wednesday the 13th of February

The recent event on ‘Emissions from Maritime Transport: Regulations and Solutions’ held at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth by Marine-i partner Falmouth Marine School, proved to be a thought provoking and informative day.  The event sought to explore the theme of green technology with particular reference to exhaust after treatments, emissions control, novel fuels, and solutions for the future that are less polluting, consume less energy and exploit fewer resources.

Six speakers from all areas of the marine technology and design industry spoke about both the impact of emissions currently on the marine environment and both the current and cutting edge technologies being used and developed to meet the emissions regulations and future proof maritime transport.

Bob Harris, Acting Head of Falmouth Marine School, opened the day with an overview of the history of Falmouth Marine School and its activities to develop engineering and marine technology expertise in Cornwall.

After an introduction to the work of the Marine- i programme by Professor John Chudley and Matt Hodson, Marine Hub Operations Director of the Cornwall Development Company, the day was started with Dr Jonathan Williams, CEO of Marine South East, putting into perspective the current legislation and its impact whilst discussing some of the current novel fuel systems in place and in development and projects that they have been delivering in this field.

Ferguson Marine representative Naval Architect Shane Hand travelled from Glasgow to speak to the delegates about their activities working with industry partners to design, build and deliver the technology, vessels and infrastructure to develop Hydrogen Fuel cell powered ferries for the Orkney Islands on the HyDIME and HySeas II projects.

A very thought provoking session was provided by from the Dr Simon Ussher of Penlee Point Atmospheric Observatory Plymouth on a project to monitor the emissions and air quality in the channel over the next five years, with early results noting a decrease in pollution levels already.

Dr Rachel Nicholls-Lee, Director of Whiskerstay Ltd, delivered a lively and informative talk on the role of electric boats and discussed the challenges and opportunities for the Cornish maritime industry to adopt the technology.

A buffet lunch allowed an opportunity for attendees to network during the event and some really valuable conversations and connections were made.

During the afternoon session, a slightly different angle was covered by Associate Professor Basak Akdemir, CEO of BAU, who spoke of their drive to provide online training for Seafarers to assist in their understanding of the emissions legislation requirements and thus enable them to meet the safe operation of their vessels.

The design and build of hybrid ferry Victoria of Wight, the newest addition to the Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferry services fleet, was the subject of Principal Naval Architect David Wing from Houlder Ltd, fascinating insight into the challenges of producing a vessel to meet the needs of a busy ferry route whilst countering the logistics of its hybrid design and operation.

The day was rounded off by a plenary session to discuss questions and thoughts arising out of the day.

Within the next few weeks attendees are expected to be able to access the presentations from the day through the Marine- i  website.