ClassNK is a major supporter of the Digital Era
Boosting Trade through Coastal Shipping
1 million direct and indirect employment opportunities likely to be created
India’s vast 7,517-kilometer coastline, dotted with 13 major and 200 minor ports, holds immense potential for economic expansion and trade proliferation. Despite this strategic advantage, coastal shipping currently constitutes a mere 6% of India’s cargo movement. In a landmark move, the Indian government’s passage of the Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 is set to transform the maritime landscape, unlocking coastal shipping’s true potential to drive trade, stimulate economic growth, and catapult India’s emergence as a major player in global commerce.
The Coastal Shipping Bill 2024 is poised to propel the industry’s growth to new heights, with projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10-12% by 2025. This surge will unleash investment opportunities totalling ₹50,000 crores in coastal shipping infrastructure by 2025, simultaneously generating 1 million direct and indirect employment opportunities in the sector.
The amended Coastal Shipping Bill is poised to transform India’s maritime sector, driving economic growth and sustainable development. The bill’s benefits are multifaceted, expected to boost trade volumes and economic growth, while reducing logistics costs for exporters and importers. Enhanced connectivity between India’s coastal regions will foster regional development and cooperation,
making Indian ports more competitive globally. Furthermore, the bill will promote eco-friendly transportation practices by decreasing carbon emissions through reduced reliance on landbased transportation. Overall, the amended Coastal Shipping Bill is a significant step towards unlocking India’s coastal potential, stimulating economic expansion, and cementing its position as a major player in global trade.
The Bill’s success depends on addressing key challenges: infrastructure upgrades, effective implementation, private sector investment, and workforce development. Modernizing ports and facilities, coordinating government agencies, and encouraging investment will bridge funding gaps and bring expertise.
This Bill is a strategic step in India’s journey to maritime supremacy. Its provisions will enhance trade competitiveness, economic growth, and regional development, but require careful implementation and stakeholder collaboration.
- Delphine Estibeiro
Wärtsilä Advances Energy Storage Safety with Latest Fire Testing
Technology group Wärtsilä announces significant advancements in fire safety and acoustic noise reduction for its energy storage systems (ESS), which will enable its customers to stay ahead of regulatory changes while minimising the environmental impact of their projects. These developments, including rigorous large-scale testing and enhanced noise mitigation technologies, further position Wärtsilä as a leader in safe and community-conscious energy solutions.
Wärtsilä has recently completed its third and fourth rounds of large-scale fire testing following the 2023 testing done for the Quantum energy storage system, surpassing the mandated UL 9540A testing standards for its newer generation Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 energy storage systems. Conducted in partnership with CSA Group at their lab, these tests involved purposeful ignition of the enclosure until the fire was self-sustaining. Both the Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 enclosures fully consumed all available fuel. Data from the test show no risk of propagation from the initiating unit to adjacent units with all modules remaining below cell venting temperatures.
This approach is designed to simulate a worst-case scenario and exceeds current industry standards. Wärtsilä is one of the only battery energy storage companies globally to perform such extensive fire safety evaluations. Wärtsilä also hosted key stakeholders to witness the tests, including regulated utility representatives, fire protection consultants, and insurance and owners’ engineers.
“Large-scale energy storage system installations must address the safety concerns of the broader community,” says Josh Dinaburg, Fire Test Specialist at CSA Group and Vice Chair of the NFPA Research Foundation Alarm Council. “Recent testing of Wärtsilä’s Quantum High Energy and Quantum2 ESS showed that a fully involved, large-scale fire did not propagate into adjacent battery units. A design that limits propagation allows local fire service to isolate and control the fire, reducing the overall threat to life, property, and the environment.”
“These new fire safety measures demonstrate our commitment to going above and beyond existing industry standards, meeting the intent of the new largescale fire testing requirements referenced in NFPA 855 2026,” says Chris Groves, Product Manager leading Safety Engineering at Wärtsilä. “We do not see fire as an inevitability; therefore, our intent is not just to meet regulatory requirements, but to anticipate future safety needs. These tests ensure we are proactively providing customers with the highest level of protection.”
The fire testing also conforms to the forthcoming CSA TS-800 standard, which will set new benchmarks for the safety of energy storage systems.
“I applaud Wärtsilä for their proactive role in conducting these tests, which has resulted in no propagation to adjacent units,” says Paul Hayes, Vice President of Energy Structure at Hiller Companies. “This reassures us of their commitment to safety and instils confidence in their capabilities.”
In addition to fire safety, noise mitigation has become a top priority as energy storage systems are built in closer proximity to residential areas, where there are strict penalties for exceeding noise limits. Wärtsilä’s energy storage systems now feature advanced attenuation solutions and operational control that can be tailored to specific project needs. This proactive approach to noise reduction also includes third-party verification of noise levels conducted by regional consultants to ensure accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
“Close collaboration with clients allows us to develop tailored noise reduction solutions, such as low fan speed controls and third party-verified noise attenuation solutions,” says Fadi Zara, Program Manager at Wärtsilä Energy Storage and Optimisation.
These advancements demonstrate Wärtsilä’s continued focus on exceeding industry standards for the environmental impact of its energy storage systems and ensuring customers across the globe receive full regulatory support from project inception through completion.
HELLO SAILING STAFF!
5 Ways How Attending a Maritime Conference Can Boost Your Chances of Finding a Shore Job
• Capt Sameer Sinha, a sailing Master, attends a Conference on Ship Manning where he bumps in to a Company Director, who charmed with Sameer’s intelligent questions to the Panel, offers him an assignment in his recruitment company.
• Sailing Chief Engineer, Rajesh Radhakrishnan, who had already spent over 16 months, and a huge sum of money, arming himself with an MBA, met an equally frustrated Marine Engineer at a Maritime Technology Conference, and struck a
great friendship with him. Eventually the two set up a successful business partnership that has grown and grown over the last decade.
• Kunal Kapoor, a sailing Chief Officer was under pressure from his family to take up a shore assignment, what with an ailing mother and a special child whose needs the wife could not fulfil on her own. At a Commercial Shipping Conference during the Tea Break, Kunal spoke to an amicable gentleman who guided Kunal on what course to take up to learn Chartering and
Maritime Commerce. Kunal heads a 10-person strong team today as an international shipbroker.
There are numerous such stories where those desiring to step ashore found a path in this manner to a suitable career and their dreams. They could have just kept sailing and continued living a sequestered disillusioned life. But NO, they expanded their chances to find a shore job in the multifarious growing sectors of shipping by effectively prospecting for shore jobs through leveraging industry conferences as delegates.
Attending a Conference of your choice as a Delegate is of course not FREE. But just look at the rewards, and treat the Delegate Fee as an investment in a future that you and your family wish and desire.
So, here’s 5 Ways in which you can benefit from attending a Maritime Conference:
1. Networking Opportunities: Conferences provide a unique platform to meet industry professionals, potential employers, and fellow officers transitioning to shore jobs. Building
relationships can lead to job referrals and valuable insights into the hiring process.
2. Direct Access to Employers: Many conferences feature job fairs or recruitment booths where maritime companies actively seek new talent. Officers can engage directly with recruiters, submit resumes, and discuss potential job openings in real time.
3. Industry Insights & Trends: By attending various sessions, officers can gain an understanding of what skills and qualifications are in demand for shore jobs, allowing them to tailor their job applications and prepare for interviews effectively.
4. Building a Professional Brand: Engaging actively in discussions, Q&A sessions, or social events can help officers establish themselves as knowledgeable professionals, enhancing their personal brand in the maritime community.
5. Follow-Up After the Conference: After the event, officers should maintain connections made at the conference through LinkedIn or email. Following up can solidify relationships and keep them informed about potential job openings.
By maximizing these opportunities and strategically approaching conferences, sailing merchant navy officers can significantly improve their chances of successfully transitioning to coveted shore-based roles.
Marex Media Conferences 2024 & 2025
• Maritime Legal Conference: 13 Nov 2024, Mumbai
• Conference on Maritime Commerce 16 Jan 2025, Mumbai
• Conference on Women in Maritime 16 May 2025
• Ship Manning & Training Summit Nov 2025, New Delhi
• Marex ‘Kashti Ratna Awards’ Nov 2025, New Delhi
For Details on How You can Attend as Delegate, Drop a line to: Sonia@marexmedia.com
UltraTech and UCLA Join Forces to Revolutionize Cement Industry Decarbonization
UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete (RMC) company, announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pilot a groundbreaking new technology The Zero Carbon Lime (ZeroCAL) developed by ICM that can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement production. ICM, in partnership with UltraTech, will build a first-of-a-kind demonstration plant for the technology at one of UltraTech’s integrated cement manufacturing units.
The Zero Carbon Lime (ZeroCAL) process, developed by ICM researchers, can eliminate nearly 98% of carbon dioxide emissions associated with limestone decomposition in cement manufacturing. UltraTech will be the first company globally to implement the ZeroCAL process at scale through a demonstration plant that will produce several metric tons of zerocarbon lime per day. UltraTech’s partnership with UCLA aligns with its broader sustainability goals and its focus on developing and adopting innovative technologies to decarbonise its operations.
“UltraTech is fully committed to realising its Net Zero Goal by 2050. As an industry leader UltraTech
Mr. K C Jhanwar Managing Director at UltraTech Cement
is constantly exploring partnerships to overcome the technological barriers to decarbonise cement manufacturing.” said Mr. K C Jhanwar, Managing Director at UltraTech. “We are excited to collaborate with UCLA on this groundbreaking project. Partnerships like these, which place an emphasis on developing and deploying new and emerging technologies, will be a key enabler in our sector’s efforts to accelerate decarbonisation and deliver carbon neutral concrete by 2050,” he added.
“The ZeroCAL approach is a powerful solution to eliminate carbon emissions associated with the process of cement production within the existing industrial paradigm of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) clinker production and without a need for carbon capture and storage,” said Professor Gaurav Sant, ICM director and the study’s corresponding author and the Pritzker Professor of Sustainability at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. “It effectively eliminates the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from limestone’s decomposition while providing clean hydrogen and oxygen to heat the cement kiln,” he added.
To accelerate its decarbonisation efforts, UltraTech is collaborating with technology startups to explore the use of emerging decarbonisation technologies including kiln electrification and carbon capture & storage. MMT
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Drewry predicts box rates hike even as 3 mn new TEU floods market
Drewry, a leading maritime consultancy, predicts that around three million TEU of new shipping capacity set to enter the market next year will likely be “more than offset” by ongoing market disruptions, leaving shippers with no relief in sight. The uncertainty surrounding potential strikes at U.S. East Coast ports adds to the volatility, prompting Drewry to analyze different scenarios: one with a strike occurring
in January and another without. Their findings indicate that freight rates are expected to continue rising in both scenarios.
According to Drewry’s Philip Damas, port strikes could have a significant inflationary effect on spot rates, impacting not only U.S.-connected trade but potentially causing ripple effects across other global trade routes as well. “The implications of port strikes will resonate well beyond the immediate area, leading to increased costs throughout the shipping industry,” he noted.
On the other hand, if a strike does not occur, while some spot rates may see a decline, Drewry emphasizes that a variety of other factors will remain in play to support further increases.
Notably, the implementation of the new emission trading system carbon taxes, which are set to rise by 75% starting January, will contribute to upward pressure on rates. This tax adjustment is part of broader efforts to address environmental concerns within the shipping sector, but it also signifies a financial burden for shippers.
“We are essentially looking at a gradual increase in freight rates moving forward,” Damas explained. “It’s important to remember that, prior to the pandemic, global freight rates had surged by 87%, and we are now facing dynamics that may drive rates up at a slower but steady pace.”
In summary, while new shipping capacity is on the horizon, the combination of potential port strikes, heightened carbon taxes, and other market factors suggests that shippers may continue to face challenges, leading to sustained pressure on freight rates in the coming year.
MMT
Drewry’s Philip Damas
Mr Damas acknowledged that a reopened Red Sea would increase shipping capacity by about 25%. But Drewry does not expect this to happen, rather that the disruption and Cape of Good Hope routing will continue until at least 2026.
“We have extended the timeline for a resumption of full-scale Suez Canal transits to 2026,” confirmed Mr Damas.
“We anticipated previously that it would be resolved by the first half of 2025… we’re seeing escalating tensions in the Middle East and we don’t see any reason to be optimistic on this front.”
AVAT and KBB are going to cooperate in the digitalisation of turbochargers
Tübingen/Bannewitz. The aim of the recently agreed cooperation between the two German technology companies AVAT and Kompressorenbau Bannewitz GmbH (KBB) is to make turbocharger technology for large combustion engines even more powerful and efficient through digitalization. Turbochargers are a key factor for the performance and efficiency of internal combustion engines used in ships and stationary power plants for energy generation.
The new hardware and software will be able to collect and analyze a wide range of operating data and metrics from the turbocharger. This will provide valuable information about the current operating point and possible damage patterns. By analyzing the data, it is possible to identify optimization potential in operation at an early stage and to proactively identify maintenance requirements.
Long-term data collected by the innovative digital solution enables even more accurate detection of changes in turbocharger performance and operation through time-based comparisons. As the amount of data increases, the ability to detect damage will become more sophisticated, allowing new data-based maintenance intervals to be developed over time.
This predictive maintenance makes it possible to avoid costly equipment failures. The cooperation between AVAT and KBB combines decades of experience in turbocharger technology with leading expertise in the automation and digitalization of power plants.
Dr Sathya Menon
FCIPS, FCILT, FCMI, CPM, CISCM, CPPM, CICCM, CERTIFIED SAP CONSULTANT - SCM/MM
DrSathya Menon is a distinguished entrepreneur and leader, boasting over 30 years of experience in fostering business growth and workforce development across diverse industries. His exceptional leadership skills have transformed organizations, driven revenue expansion, and garnered international acclaim.
As Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, Dr. Menon has spearheaded the company’s exponential growth, establishing it as a global leader in consulting, training, and conferences. Under his leadership, Blue Ocean has achieved paramount success in Supply Chain Management training, earning an array of prestigious awards.
Beyond his corporate accomplishments, Dr. Menon is an avid sports enthusiast, with a special affinity for cricket. Additionally, he is a technology visionary, exploring innovations in the Metaverse and Artificial Intelligence. Complementing his leadership expertise, Dr. Menon has also advised organizations as a
Business Process Re-engineering Consultant, optimizing efficiency and profitability.
Dr. Menon’s expertise extends to Supply Chain education, where he serves as an internationally qualified faculty member, having trained over 30,000 professionals globally. He also holds the esteemed position of Vice Chairman at CILT - UAE Chapter, affiliated with The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, UK.
An esteemed alumnus of MIT Sloan School of Management Dr Menon, boasts an impressive academic portfolio, featuring multiple fellowships, degrees, and certifications from renowned institutions across the USA, UK, Germany, and India.
MMT
Blue Ocean Launches Global Healthcare Training Program for India
In a significant initiative to elevate the global healthcare landscape,
Blue Ocean Corporation, a world leader in supply chain management training and consulting, has officially launched the Global Healthcare Supply Chain programs to strengthen the healthcare sector worldwide. Recognizing the unique dynamics of the Indian healthcare market, which is experiencing rapid growth and heightened demand for specialized services, Blue Ocean Corporation, headquartered in London, is committed to tailoring its programs to meet the specific needs of this sector.
A recipient of over 25 international awards including the prestigious 2024 Award for Excellence in Learning and Development from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the organization stands at the forefront of healthcare supply chain training, boasting a distinguished history of collaboration with prestigious institutions globally, including Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, King Fahad Medical City, and King Faisal Research Centre, among others. With the most acclaimed Global Health Maturity Model from ASCM, Blue Ocean offers a comprehensive framework that enables organizations to systematically assess and enhance their healthcare supply chains.
Developed by the funding from Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, this assessment tool helps teams determine a level of maturity for the healthcare supply chain, as well as each category of activities within the supply chain. The program’s alignment with the SCOR model allows for the identification of critical areas for improvement, facilitating targeted health outcomes and fostering greater investment in global health initiatives.
This ambitious endeavour aims to address the pressing needs of India’s rapidly evolving
healthcare domain, which has become one of the largest sectors in the country, expected to surpass $610 billion by 2026. The launch also highlights Blue Ocean’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in India amidst the backdrop of significant demographic changes and increased demand for high-quality healthcare services. With the Indian population growing at 1.6 percent annually and an elderly demographic exceeding 100 million, the need for effective healthcare supply chains has never been more critical.
Realizing the complexities and challenges facing the healthcare sector, including issues of service accessibility and quality, Blue Ocean’s training programs are designed to empower healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to optimize supply chain operations, ensuring efficient resource utilization and improved patient outcomes.
The significance of this initiative was further highlighted by a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently signed between Blue Ocean Corporation and the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia, establishing a framework for collaboration and knowledge sharing. The MOU, signed recently, by Dr. Sathya Menon, Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation, and Meraee Al Qahtani, Deputy Health Minister of Saudi Arabia, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, signifies a key collaboration aimed at supporting KSA to cultivate a world-class healthcare supply chain infrastructure that effectively addresses the diverse needs of its population.
This initiative aims to align training efforts with the Indian government’s objectives to enhance healthcare infrastructure and accessibility, thereby supporting the nation’s broader health goals.
“India’s healthcare market is at a crossroads, and it is essential that we build robust supply chain systems to meet the rising demands of our population,”
said Dr Sathya Menon, Group CEO of Blue Ocean Corporation. “ Through this prestigious offering, we aim to contribute significantly to the Indian healthcare sector. By fostering skilled professionals and optimizing supply chain processes, we are laying the groundwork for a resilient healthcare ecosystem capable of responding to both current and future challenges”, he added.
With significant investments expected in healthcare spending from the Indian government, which is projected to rise from 2% to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, this launch is timely and crucial. The increased focus on sustainability, combined with the shift towards chronic and lifestyle diseases, necessitates a skilled workforce adept in advanced supply chain methodologies.
In conjunction with the launch of these program, Blue Ocean Corporation is also announcing its massive expansion plans in India. Currently operating in Delhi, Pune, Kochi, and Hyderabad, the organization is looking forward to further establishing a presence in other key cities to better serve the diverse needs across the nation.
As India continues to modernize its healthcare infrastructure and expand access to quality services, Blue Ocean Corporation’s training and consulting programs, alongside its planned expansion, are poised to play a transformative role, ensuring that the country’s healthcare system is prepared to meet the evolving needs of its population.
SETTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE
Cummins Displays Cutting-Edge Marine Solutions
Cummins Inc., a global leader in power solutions, will exhibit its latest marine technologies at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans from November 12-14, 2024. Visitors to Booth 3001 will have the opportunity to examine the QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution, designed with repower flexibility in mind. This innovative engine provides clean power in a compact package, leveraging trusted technology that operators can depend on for their fleet.
In addition to showcasing their QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution, Cummins will feature a parts display comparing both brand-new genuine components and parts from a customer’s engine that has operated for over 100,000 hours without an overhaul, demonstrating remarkable durability with only a marginal impact to performance from the nominal specifications. This stands in stark contrast to industry standards, which typically call for overhauls every 20,000 to 25,000 hours and replacements or repowers at 60,000 to 75,000 hours.
Cummins’ team of experts will be available throughout the event to discuss the company’s commitment to carbon reduction and guide owners in steering their operations towards a more sustainable future. With HVO approval on all high-horsepower engines and compliance with EPA Tier 4 and IMO III standards, Cummins offers immediate solutions for those looking to begin their decarbonization journey.
Gbile Adewunmi, Vice President of Industrial Markets - Power Systems Business at Cummins, will present the company’s strategies on the path to Destination Zero for the maritime industry. This presentation will take place on Wednesday at 2:30 PM in Classroom 2, offering attendees valuable insights into Cummins’ vision for a sustainable maritime future.
“Cummins is committed to leading the maritime industry toward a sustainable future through innovative power solutions,” said Adewunmi. “Our QSK38 EPA Tier 4 engine exemplifies our dedication to providing reliable, clean power while supporting operators in their decarbonization efforts. As we gather at the International Workboat Show, we look forward to sharing our vision for Destination Zero and collaborating with industry partners to navigate the path toward a more sustainable maritime landscape.”
Cummins invites all attendees to visit Booth 3001 to learn more about the QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution and engage in conversations about proven technologies that can continue to power the future of maritime operations while addressing environmental challenges.
Gbile Adewunmi, Vice President of Industrial Markets - Power Systems Business, Cummins
TwinShip Project Enhances Data Accuracy
Aconsortium, including technology group Wärtsilä, will develop a new system for the maritime industry which is aimed at improving access to reliable data to enable smarter shipping decisions related to decarbonising fleet operations. The project, name ‘TwinShip’*, is sponsored by the European Union (EU) and will run from 2025 until 2028.
The need for decarbonisation is well acknowledged in the maritime industry. However, investment decisions are often delayed due to a lack of accurate cost, performance and
emission estimations for new and/or retrofitted ship designs. This is especially relevant when it comes to new sustainable fuels and energy-saving solutions.
The TwinShip project will involve over a dozen technology and service providers, ship design and shipping companies, classification societies, ports, software developers, and research and academic bodies. Utilising the expertise of these partners, the project will develop a Decision Support System (DSS) which can be used when planning different setups of machinery, propulsion and energy-saving devices for newbuilds and retrofits.
“Industry collaboration is essential if the shipping industry is to meet its emissions reduction goals, and this TwinShip project is an extremely important initiative that we at Wärtsilä are keen to support,” says Anders Öster, General Manager, Research Coordination & Funding, Wärtsilä Marine. “By working together under this project’s cooperative umbrella we can make a real contribution to a decarbonised future.”
The intention of the project is to provide reliable cost, performance and emission data, based on best possible domain knowledge. This, in turn, will be further improved through advanced AI-based algorithms that can analyse vast amounts of real test data. The project results will be validated through four pilot vessel demonstrations.
The project will set ambitious benchmarks for supporting the industry with its target of reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. These benchmarks will be in line with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, which includes a target of net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050. A central element will be providing access to reliable data and predictive insights that will have a significant impact on optimising fleet efficiency leading to improved performance, lower costs, and reduced emissions.
Wärtsilä has taken a leading position in supporting the industry’s transformation towards a more sustainable future. In addition to its strong investments in developing new high-efficiency technologies, the company is targeting carbon neutrality in its own operations and aims to offer a product portfolio ready for zero-carbon fuels by 2030. The TwinShip project will utilise and build further upon the outcomes of Wärtsilä’s previous and ongoing EU-funded projects, such as SeaTech, CHEK, Green Ray and Ammonia2-4. SeaTech, CHEK, Green Ray and Ammonia2-4. MMT
Game-Changing Tech for Minimizing Methane Emissions in 25DF Engines
Technology group
Wärtsilä has introduced its innovative NextDF feature for the Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel engine. While operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG), the NextDF feature reduces methane emissions to less than two per cent of fuel use across all load points, achieving as low as 1.1 per cent in a wide load range. What’s more, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are lower than on the standard Wärtsilä 25DF engine which already has low emission levels below IMO Tier III.
LNG is considered an important transition marine fuel, bridging the gap between conventional diesel fuels and future carbonneutral or carbon-free alternatives. However, the main component of LNG is methane and when burned as a fuel, a very small amount may not combust properly, leading to methane escaping into the atmosphere.
Across the shipping industry, the use of LNG and cutting methane emissions is one of the most effective ways to decrease overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from engines over the next 10 years, complementing other efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. From an international shipping perspective, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is considering methane emissions in the upcoming GHG regulations. At a regional level, the EU is implementing a set of methane-related measures in FuelEU Maritime (2025 onwards) and in EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) (2026 onwards).
The effect of methane emissions will be introduced as a percentage of the mass of the fuel used by the engine. For EU regulation, four-stroke engines not certified with lower emission values will have to adhere to a default
methane emission of 3.1 percent of fuel use. To provide flexibility in meeting the GHG intensity limits, the FuelEU Maritime regulation will not only impose costs if a vessel does not comply, it will also allow vessels to capture value from overcompliance through banking or pooling compliance surplus between reporting periods.
“Enhancing dual fuel technology to further reduce methane emissions will have a major impact on the long-term viability of LNG as a marine fuel. Our work around reducing methane slip and GHG emissions is part of Wärtsilä’s effort to continuously improve efficiency and reduce emissions of our products. This innovation is one more very important step along the road to decarbonisation,” comments Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine.
Launched in 2022, the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform offers a modular, upgradeable, and flexible design that helps operators to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, improving the efficiency of vessels, and facilitating the adoption of sustainable fuels. With the NextDF technology, engine efficiency is further improved by up to 0.5 percentage points.
Stefan continues: “The Wärtsilä 25DF engine has already set an industry benchmark for low methane slip, down to as low as 1.4 percent at certain load points. By making available our NextDF technology for the Wärtsilä 25DF engine enables operators to go even further in reducing methane emissions. This increases overcompliance with EU regulations, therefore offering tangible financial benefits for shipping operators, whilst simultaneously helping them to futureproof their vessels in the longer term.”
This is the second Wärtsilä dual-fuel engine to be made available with NextDF technology. In 2023, Wärtsilä introduced the new technology for its Wärtsilä 31DF engine. Thanks to the modular design of Wärtsilä’s engine platform, the NextDF feature can be retrofitted to existing Wärtsilä 31DF and Wärtsilä 25DF engines. The NextDF feature for the Wärtsilä 25DF engine will be available for delivery in the second half of 2025.
MMT
Chevron Expands Global Reach with Marine Lubricants Supply in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Chevron Marine Lubricants, a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, has further extended its global supply capacity to include Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This expansion notably enhances the company’s ability to serve vessels taking the longer route to avoid current conflict areas. It also represents a strategically important addition to Chevron’s distribution network in the southern region.
The expansion has been made possible through close collaboration with local partners, demonstrating the power of partnerships to enhance customer service and supply. By ensuring supply availability in Port Elizabeth, the overall supply reliability of Chevron’s range of marine lubricants is endorsed and improved.
“This marks a significant milestone in the development of our distribution network in southern waters,” says Ayten Yavuz, Global Marine Lubricants General Manager at Chevron.
“Port Elizabeth is a major port of call, and having Chevron lubricants available will certainly increase the service reliability for visiting vessels. We have worked closely with our local partners to make this strategic expansion possible, and I wish to thank them for their excellent cooperation.”
Chevron’s current range of marine engine lubricants, including the popular Taro Ultra range, will be available to ships calling at Port Elizabeth, a multi-cargo port located on the western perimeter
of Algoa Bay. The port is operational 363 days a year. In addition to bulk and container handling, Port Elizabeth has a berth for liquid cargo operations. The significance of the port can be seen from the fact that, prior to 2023, records indicate an average of 1050 visiting vessels over a 36-month period. However, since October 2023, vehicle carrier passings have risen substantially, and many operators are currently routing ships via the Cape of Good Hope.
Gateway Distriparks Boosts Logistics Capabilities with Double Stack Rail Services at Faridabad
Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL), a leading multimodal logistics company in India, has launched Double Stack Rail services at its Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Faridabad. This milestone marks ICD Faridabad as the first and only location in the region to offer Double Stack services, providing a significant competitive advantage with direct connectivity to major seaports such as Mundra, Pipavav, and Nhava Sheva via the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC).
This strategic enhancement establishes Gateway Distriparks as a pioneer in the logistics sector, offering a first-mover advantage. With the addition of ICD Faridabad, GDL now operates Double Stack services at three hubs, including its ICDs in Gurgaon and Viramgam, all connected through the WDFC. The introduction of Double Stack Rail services at ICD Faridabad will enhance the carrying capacity, improve the productivity of GDL’s 34 trainsets, and facilitate container movement from its other ICD locations.
The development provides substantial benefits to exporters and importers across Delhi NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby regions. With up to 30% more capacity per trip, Double Stack services help
optimize freight costs, streamline operations, and reduce delivery times. By boosting supply chain reliability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation, the new service will contribute to sustainable economic growth in the area. Gateway Distriparks expects to lower carbon emissions aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Mr Prem Kishan Dass Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director
– Gateway Distriparks, commented: “The launch of Double Stack Rail services at ICD Faridabad reinforces our leadership in logistics innovation and efficiency. It reflects our commitment to enhancing supply chain reliability for our customers while promoting a more sustainable and efficient logistics ecosystem. We are confident that this strategic move will significantly benefit our customers by reducing transit times and logistics costs, ultimately contributing to the growth of the region’s trade.”
A Shipboard Mental Health & Counselling Officer?
Arecent discussion on compensating families of seafarers who die by suicide sparked a thought-provoking question: Shouldn’t we prioritize preventing these tragedies rather than debating compensation? While bereavement funds have their place, addressing preventives to suicidal deaths on ships is surely paramount.
While several organizations, particularly seafarer unions around the world, offer helplines of many types to mentally distressed crewmembers, communication difficulties with strangers and remoteness are barriers hard to overcome. I thought therefore that appointing a dedicated Counsellor on each vessel, whose onsite presence and familiarity with the crewmembers would be of great help, to be a possible step in the right direction.
This concept, inspired by the acclaimed drama series Chicago Fire, prioritizes emotional support and mental health, mirroring the show’s portrayal of first responders’ personal and professional struggles.
While appointing a dedicated Counsellor to each ship is an attractive concept, logistical constraints
Key responsibilities of a ‘Shipboard Mental Health & Counselling Officer’
Such an officer would be of a senior rank and have undergone suitable training to perform the following duties, in addition to the usual shipboard responsibilities of the particular rank:
• Individual Counselling: Conducting one-onone sessions with crew members experiencing personal difficulties like relationship problems, family issues, grief, anxiety, or depression
• Crisis Intervention: Responding to immediate crisis situations, including potential suicides, substance abuse, or severe stress reactions
• Stress Management: Providing techniques to manage stress related to work demands, long hours, isolation, and challenging sea conditions
render it almost impractical. With the global merchant fleet comprising 105,500 vessels as of January 2023 (UNCTAD), the financial and operational burdens would be insurmountable indeed.
So as we move forward, what are our options?
A viable alternative solution is to provide specialized counselling training to a senior-ranked ship’s officer, enabling them to identify signs of depression or suicidal tendencies in crewmembers and offer timely support.
Obviously, the scope of such duties would not extend to that of a full-fledged Counsellor, but be limited to the bare minimum that could help them take up the appropriate immediate response. A bit similar to the existing role of the ship’s Second Officer, who is in addition to his usual duties, trained for medical response aboard ships.
The ‘Mental Health & Counselling’ Officer would create a secure, non-judgmental space for individuals to examine their thoughts, emotions and experiences, fostering informed decisionmaking and enhanced overall well-being.
A senior-ranked officer especially trained as a counsellor onboard would serve as a vital mental health resource, providing confidential support and guidance to crewmembers navigating personal challenges, stress and prolonged sea-duty related issues.
• Group Facilitation: Leading group sessions to address common issues affecting the crew, such as team building, communication skills, and coping mechanisms
• Referral Services: Connecting crew members with appropriate external support systems like Mental Health Counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, medical professionals, legal advisors, or chaplaincy services when necessary
• Preventative Measures: Implementing proactive programs to promote mental health awareness, resilience training, and healthy coping strategies among the crew
We firmly believe that exploring such initiatives is crucial to mitigating suicidal deaths. We invite your feedback and suggestions, which we can subsequently present to the Indian Maritime Administration for consideration.
In times of turmoil, it’s easy to lose sight of life’s preciousness. Let’s recall the multitude of reasons to live and recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, much like using a flashlight to navigate darkness.
MMT
Raksha Mantri Unveils Swavlamban 3.0: Boosting Indigenous Defence Tech & Efficiency
The third edition of Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 3.0) challenge and 13th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 13) were unveiled by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on October 29, 2024. These challenges aim to advance indigenous defence technologies and operational efficiencies.
The ADITI 3.0 features a challenge from the Indian Navy to design a High-Power Microwave Weapon System. The DISC 13 presents seven challenges – three from Indian Army and two each from Indian Navy & Indian Air Force – in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, military communication and autonomous bots among others.
Raksha Mantri also felicitated iDEX winners and Hackathon awardees on the occasion. In his address, he stated that in the last two sessions of ‘Swavlamban’, Indian Navy has received over 2,000 proposals from Indian industries under the SPRINT challenges, which were unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during Swavlamban 1.0 in July 2022. SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, Naval Innovation & Indigenisation Organisation and Technology Development Acceleration Cell.
Shri Rajnath Singh said that these proposals have been converted into 155 challenges, which will help in completing 171 contracts. In addition, the Swavalamban
initiative has collaborated with 213 MSMEs and start-ups under iDEX. Till now, Acceptance of Necessity of more than Rs 2,000 crore has been given in 19 cases, of which contracts worth up to Rs 784 crore have been completed.
Raksha Mantri congratulated the winners for their innovative solutions to the challenges given by the Armed Forces, terming their feats as extraordinary. He exhorted them to think ahead and come out with products, which are not immediately needed, but can become a necessity for the Armed Forces after they are actually developed.
Citing the success of digital transactions, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that today India has emerged as the world’s largest country in terms of the value of digital payments. He also spoke of the Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile
Trinity, which has made the delivery of government schemes easy and transparent. “You don’t wait for the right time, you bring the right time. You’re fully capable. You must come up with new ideas through innovation,” he said, assuring all possible help of the Government in this endeavour.
Raksha Mantri highlighted the self-reliance efforts being made by the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating that the changes brought about in the last few years have created an innovative culture in India, keeping national security in mind. “There was a time when we had become so dependent on imports for arms and equipment that innovative ideas could never take birth. Even if there were ideas, there was no system to execute them. It is a result of our Prime Minister’s farsightedness that the situation has improved rapidly in the last few years. Today, we also have a concrete ecosystem, and we are moving rapidly towards selfreliance,” he said. He described the Indian Navy as an Innovative Navy, commending its efforts towards achieving self-reliance.
Acknowledging the vital contribution of both public & private sectors in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Shri Rajnath Singh reasserted the Government’s commitment to march ahead on the road to progress by taking all the stakeholders together. “Our public sector was already involved in the defence sector. But, when we came to power, we realised that a bird fly cannot fly with one wing, and there is a need to strengthen the other wing as well. We are making efforts to increase the participation of the private sector in the defence industrial ecosystem. Our DPSUs are moving rapidly towards achieving the goal of self-reliance. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited recently achieved the status of ‘Maharatna’ by increasing its capacity. I am quite satisfied with the performance of our DPSUs. I appeal to our DPSUs and the private sector to continuously achieve new heights on the strength of ‘Continuous Innovation’,” he said.
Raksha Mantri added that the Government’s concerted efforts have not only reduced import dependency & ensured public and private sectors to work together for ‘Aatmanirbharta in defence, it has also resulted in the emergence of science, technology, innovation & selfreliance as a revolutionary idea throughout the country. He was of the view that the idea of innovation & selfreliance has blossomed, and the Government’s efforts have awakened this consciousness among the youth.
Shri Rajnath Singh credited the innovation in the youth for the rise in the number of start-ups in the country, which has crossed over one lakh - more than 100 being unicorns. “Start-ups are playing a big role in defence manufacturing. Our youth have realised that they can make the country self-reliant through innovation,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi reiterated the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguard national maritime interests, adding that to facilitate this journey, a solemn resolve has been made to become a ‘Fully Aatmanirbhar Force’ by 2047. He mentioned that through collaborative efforts of Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and NIIO, 173 challenges presented to the Industry by the Navy, including all the 75 challenges launched by the Prime Minister as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahostsav’ have been converted into pragmatic solutions and positive outcomes.
“The overwhelming success of our previous two editions has inspired us to expand the scope and scale of this year’s edition through the launch of new transformational technology challenges and a Hackathon. This landmark edition is also witnessing the largest ever participation of delegates from across our defence sector, including counterparts from the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard as well as Central Armed Police Forces, Defence PSUs and DRDO,” the Chief of the Naval Staff said.
On the occasion, Raksha Mantri witnessed the innovation and futuristic technologies developed by the iDEX winners and innovators. Another highlight was the Flag-off of the ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ to conduct an autonomous passage of about 1,500 kms from Mumbai to Tuticorin. Towards adding streamlined focus in developing manufacturing capability for niche products like semiconductors, an MoU was exchanged between Bharat Electronics Limited, 3rdiTech and Bharat Semiconductors.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary-designate Shri RK Singh, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew, other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence, President, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers Shri Rajinder Singh Bhatia, industry leaders and academia were present on the occasion.
Steering Towards Sustainability
Pratik Bijlani
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and the Institute of Marine Engineers (IMEI) collaborated on October 28 to host a technical seminar discussing the key takeaways from the 82nd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82). At the IRS Auditorium in Powai, Mumbai, industry experts gathered to explore the latest developments in maritime environmental protection, with a special focus on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This seminar provided a valuable platform for experts to share insights and ideas on how to tackle the pressing issue of climate change in the shipping industry.
Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Government of India, graced the event as the esteemed Chief Guest. He was joined by notable dignitaries, including Mr Ajithkumar Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor-cum-Additional Director General of DG Shipping, and Mr PK Mishra, Managing Director of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), who served as the Guest of Honour.
Mr David Birwadkar, Chairman of IMEI’s Mumbai Branch, kicked off the event with a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the attendees in shaping a sustainable maritime future. “We’re united by a common goal: to create a sustainable future for maritime operations and safeguard the precious ecosystems that support life
on our planet,” he emphasized. His inspiring words paved the way for a day of exploring innovative eco-friendly solutions and forging global industry collaborations.
Mr Jagannathan stressed the urgency of transforming India’s maritime administration to prioritize environmental sustainability. Outlining the Directorate’s visionary approach, he stated, “We envision a shift from a traditional statutory role to a proactive Director General Maritime Administration, leading the world in sustainable and secure maritime governance.” He also acknowledged the complex challenges facing the industry, including geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and broader environmental pressures impacting global shipping routes.
The 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-82) yielded significant discussions on key outcomes, particularly economic mechanisms to fund emissions reduction and the proposed carbon levy. This levy aims to encourage the maritime sector’s transition to lower-emission fuels, promoting sustainability. Although consensus on the levy remains elusive, talks emphasized the importance of transparent and equitable revenue distribution. Special consideration was given to the needs of vulnerable nations, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs),
ensuring their concerns are addressed in the transition to a more environmentally conscious maritime industry.
Experts discussed key regulatory updates, including the upcoming enforcement of stringent emission controls in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea Emission Control Areas (ECAs) from 2026. These controls will tightly regulate NOx, SOx, and particulate matter emissions. Additionally, the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention underwent significant refinement, aiming to address operational gaps and bolster compliance measures safeguarding marine ecosystems. The revisions focus on enhancing maintenance standards, streamlining biological compliance testing, and optimizing operational performance in diverse water conditions.
Mr. Shobhit Kapoor’s presentation spotlighted the IMO’s revised decarbonization strategy, targeting zero carbon emissions by 2050 with intermediate benchmarks in 2030 and 2040. This shift emphasizes the sector’s urgent need to transition to sustainable fuels and practices.
Prominent industry experts, including Shri Rajeev Nayyer (IMEI President) and Shri Mudit Mehrotra (The Great Eastern Shipping), participated in panel discussions on mid-term GHG reduction measures. They explored the complexities of technical and economic solutions, highlighting India’s advocacy for a balanced approach that integrates carbon levies and innovation to meet global standards while protecting economic interests.
The seminar concluded on a high note with a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees delved into the prospects of technological innovation and regulatory reforms. This engaging discussion reinforced the industry’s united commitment to sustainable development, a theme eloquently captured in Mr. Birwadkar’s closing remarks: “Though our journey is complex, the outcomes of MEPC 82 mark significant strides toward our environmental objectives.”
