What would be the technological challenges that will face the shipping industry the years to come and what will be the role of classification societies?
The primary challenge facing the industry is the transition to sustainable, low carbon operations. The technical requirements for this change could be said to be the most complex the industry has ever faced, since the new fuels and supply chain infrastructure required must be created almost from scratch. The technology needed onboard ship is emerging, both in terms of dual fuel engines that can use conventional and low carbon fuels and the energy efficiency measures and systems that can make a contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
The second challenge – one closely linked to the first – will be to bring an increased level of digitalization to vessel operations, capturing the data needed to demonstrate compliance with regulation and that can be used to measure performance improvements. Many ships have historically operated with minimal communication with shore and little intervention in terms of voyage performance, route and other variables. To achieve lower fuel consumption and a more efficient supply chain will require a new degree of data analytics and insight.
The role of classification societies will be to support the industry so that the low carbon tran- sition happens safely and in a timely manner, supported by the tools of digitalization. With so much innovation required around the future fuel mix and propulsion technology used to deliver higher efficiency vessels, class societies will have to work ever more closely with shipyards and designers as well as their clients and through regulatory and other bodies to model and evalu- ate safe, robust and reliable standards.
New tools will be needed to manage not just safety and compliance but voyage performance and fuel efficiency, with reporting across a wider range of stakeholders. As digital and decarbonization technologies converge, class societies will find themselves at the centre of the transition to a new era for shipping.
* ABS Manager, Business Development
The answer was provided for NAFS magazine issue 143 in its special report “WOMEN in SHEPPING”