The key dynamics of the shipping market – safety, availability, flexibility and reliability - mean that uninterrupted operations are essential for vessels and fleets to stay competitive.

In addition to the fundamental principle of safe operations, technical and financial future-proofing of next generation vessels that may run on alternative fuels and/or fitted with energy saving devices becomes a cardinal concern. 
Among the issues we are most frequently asked to provide information on concern the incoming emissions regulations and how to achieve compliance in a way that reduces the risk of incurring penalties. Owners are keen to understand the evolution in alternative and sustainable marine fuels, ranging from the core technical challenges associated with their use to availability and price.
Clients also want to understand other commercial factors around fuels and energy efficiency, namely whether there are incentives from charterers for more efficient vessels. They are also greatly interested in knowing how to manage their risks in a wider global context, maintaining safe and secure vessel operations at a time when geopolitical factors are continuing to pose threats.
More companies are recognizing that digitalization through systematic use of operational data can help them understand how their ships run and identify margins for efficiency improvements that can directly translate into fuel savings, emissions reductions and regulatory compliance.
Focus on Fundamentals
Helping clients navigate the continuing environment of uncertainty requires a combination of solid focus on the fundamentals, deep knowledge of new technologies and efficient data analytics/management throughout the vessel lifecycle, elements that are an integrated part of ABS’ DNA.
Starting as early as the design stage, at ABS we review the specifications and can qualify new technologies to be applied. The use of alternative fuels is supported through the knowledge gained by ABS from participation in various studies and joint projects regarding the use of LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen as fuels. 
Making further progress into a more efficient shipping fleet, various studies can be performed by ABS Sustainability division based on both simulations and operational data, helping owners to better understand the expected vessel’s performance benchmarks, as well as projecting the compliance trajectory.
Similar studies are performed for in-service vessels where several efficiency related retrofits are studied and potential savings projected, considering both technical and economic aspects in order to support the owner’s decision in terms of potential efficiency improvements.
In addition to the above, ABS is already working in classing ammonia and CO2 carriers and working additionally on hydrogen carriers, within several EU-funded projects.
In everyday fleet operations, shipowners can benefit from the use of quality data through ABS’ Carbon Dilligence Platform to view their entire fleet’s emissions footprint through various metrics including regulatory compliance and/or exposure to regulations including CII, ETS/EUAs and FuelEU Maritime and obtain validated statements for commercial purposes. On a higher-level approach, ABS is assisting owners in providing assurance to their sustainability/ESG reports.
The above is complemented by a wide variety of technical papers and regulatory updates that ABS regularly publishes, following the latest trends, technologies and alternative fuels as well as key insights on maritime sustainability and regulatory developments.
Looking Ahead
In the next few years, a raft of new technologies including those that support low and zero carbon fuels will begin to mature and become available. The safety implications of these options will need to be fully understood and accounted for, and the value of each option will need to be assessed against the decarbonization goals of each asset and the wider fleet.
Helping our clients understand the regulatory framework and inform them in depth of the actions they need to take is a big challenge for whole ABS team. Our discussions with clients indicate their view that guidance, tools, services and partnership approaches will be needed more than ever in future. 
Drawing on its deep technical heritage, ABS provides certification, guidance and best practices to help owners effectively implement new regulations and efficiently absorb the resulting operational changes.
* ABS Director, Business Development, Global Bulk Carriers