Greener marine operations will require leaner crews and smaller ships

Marine robotics pioneer Ocean Infinity is actively pursuing the decarbonisation of its Armada fleet of lean-crewed, uncrewed and remotely operated vessels in alignment with its goal to achieve net-zero across the business by 2040.

In an exclusive interview with Max Hartvigsen, Marine Director, and Oliver Hibbert, Engineering Director at Ocean Infinity, we delve into the company’s multi-faceted approach to revolutionising green ship operations.

The strategy revolves around enhancing the operational efficiency of vessels, by leveraging optimised hull design, remote operations for smaller vessels, a crew competency-focused operating philosophy, and a commitment to continuous improvement through the introduction of new technologies.

Building a foundation: green technology and lean crewed ships

Ocean Infinity’s commitment to sustainability rests on two pillars: optimising operations and embracing innovative technology to reduce carbon emissions. As Max Hartvigsen emphasises; “these pillars encompass both operational efficiency and the potential transition to alternative fuel sources.”

One of the company’s notable initiatives is the introduction of lean-crewed ships designed for minimum environmental impact. These vessels, exemplified by the 78 and 86-metre models, are built and designed with facilities dedicated to future green technologies. This forward-thinking approach allows adaptability and serves as a platform for technology developers to showcase new eco-friendly solutions. Trialling new technologies, particularly propulsion technologies, by refitting existing vessels can be so costly and challenging it is often not undertaken. The green spaces on Ocean Infinity’s Armada vessels have been designed into them from the outset to greatly mitigate these potential future issues.

Green fuel exploration: methanol, ammonia, and beyond

Ocean Infinity is an active pioneer in green fuel adoption, looking beyond conventional choices like hydrogen to explore alternatives such as methanol and ammonia. Oliver Hibbert emphasises the need for partnerships: “We are working with key players like Cummins, a major engine supplier, as they work on converting engines to run on methanol. This effort is part of the ZEVI initiative, focusing on developing a methanol conversion package for engines and currently converting a vessel to operate on both methanol and diesel. We are also working with Amogy to assess their ammonia to fuel cell power packs for integration with our A78 vessels.”

Biofuels, specifically biodiesel in the short to medium term, are identified as a key solution to achieve up to a 70% reduction in fleet carbon emissions. The initial use of biodiesel will be followed by the consideration of second-generation fuels, such as HVO and co-processed MGO, to meet sustainability targets. Additionally, there is active consideration of incorporating bio-methanol into the fuel mix to expand the range of usable fuels.

In the medium to long term, ammonia stands out as the preferred alternative fuel due to its scalable production, low carbon intensity, and status as a true zero-carbon fuel. Substantial efforts are underway to enable the entire Armada fleet to operate on ammonia.

Ocean Infinity is executing a multifaceted approach to realise this strategy, involving various work streams, including the formation of an operating efficiency working group, biodiesel trials preceding fleet-wide implementation in 2024, research into an ammonia dual fuel conversion kit as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2, and the  Ammonia Marine Power System project under CMDC R1, which has allowed Ocean Infinity to achieve  DNV GL Ammonia Ready Fuel notation for the A78s.

Additionally, ongoing efforts involve ammonia cracking into internal combustion engines (ICE) feasibility work, exploring advanced tank technologies, and continuous engagement with global organisations, such as Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel, to deliver lower carbon intensity power solutions.

Operational efficiency and reduced crew: a win for sustainability

The reduction of offshore crew through automation and increased remote onshore operation is as a key strategy for Ocean Infinity. Performing operations from onshore operations centres has reduced travel emissions and onboard energy requirements. The centralised data collection from our ships and centralised operations enables a close understanding of offshore operations, providing opportunities for further energy and fuel operations consumption reductions.

This transition is exemplified by the decrease of onboard personnel from 50 to 15 on  the 78m vessels, resulting in a notable reduction in associated costs such as flights for crew turnover and hotel loads on the ships. However, concrete figures on the carbon reduction from this crew reduction are still under development.

The company is working on a network of globally located centres with a team of mariners and data acquisition specialists executing the control and supervision of robotic ships and payload systems, with the latest Operations Centre announced to open in Hobart, Tasmania.

Battery technology and offshore complexity

Ocean Infinity has also taken a future proofing step by equipping each of the larger vessels with about one megawatt-hour of battery storage, showcasing a significant commitment to incorporating green technologies from day one. This battery capacity aligns with the company’s intention to efficiently use energy during complex offshore operations, where peak loads and quiet periods present unique challenges.

Ocean Infinity’s journey towards greener ship operations is marked by a commitment to flexibility, innovation, and strategic partnerships. The company’s initiatives in lean-crewed ships, green fuel exploration, operational efficiency, and advanced battery technology underscore its dedication to leading the maritime industry into a more sustainable future.

Source: Ocean Infinity.

Tags: armada Fleet, Decarbonisation, Marine, Ships