An MRV plan was prepared, the results of which were shared with INTERTANKO. As the project developed, the group was joined by Consolidated Maritime (CMM) and bulk carrier operator Golden Union.
Testing took place over six months on a fleet of 15 vessels, including Aframaxes (including Ice Class), Suezmaxes, MRs, an LR2, a dual-fuel LNGC, a steam-powered LNGC and a Capesize bulk carrier.
At the end of the data-gathering phase, ABS reviewed emission reports, assessing the reliability, credibility and accuracy of the monitoring systems and the resulting reported emissions data and information. A summary of findings identified where existing fuel measurement systems, data flow and reporting needed to be aligned with MRV requirements.
“The EU MRV Regulation establishes a regional regime that requires owners to put in place systems and practices that provide clear and precise evidence of compliance,” explained Dr Kirsi Tikka, ABS executive vice president, global marine. “Leveraging its knowledge and experience, ABS has worked with these proactive owners to help them understand the requirements and to find solutions that minimise interruptions to their ability to trade.”
Although ship emissions monitoring does not begin until 1st January, 2018, monitoring plans must be submitted to the accredited verifiers no later than the end of August, 2017.
Owners need to have the appropriate IT infrastructure and support in place to meet the requirements and make sure ship and shoreside staff are properly trained, ABS warned.
In another move involving ABS, Capital Ship Management has collaborated with the class society to install a condition monitoring system on the propulsion shafting of the Capital-managed 2006-built, 36,700 dwt, Ice Class 1A, IMO II/III tanker ‘Agisilaos’.
The patented ABS Smart Bearing solution uses non-destructive testing sensors installed on the bearing pedestal and housing to measure and display the force exerted by the main propulsion shafting system onto the bearings, effectively converting the pedestal into a permanently installed weighing machine.
“Shaft bearing failures typically are manifested through excessive temperature rise in the bearings,” explained Dr Chris Leontopoulos, ABS marine technology manager. “The problem is that often, when high temperatures are reported, sufficient damage has taken place to immobilise the vessel. By proactively monitoring the bearing load, it is possible to tell if the shaft alignment is good or if unaccounted forces exerted on the shaft and the bearings are putting the system at risk of failure.”
“We are always pleased to participate and contribute to the application of innovation and advanced technologies,” said Stavros Meidanis, Capital’s DPA-S&Q manager. “It is our company’s stated strategy to implement and enhance technological evolution with the aim of building a more sustainable shipping industry.”
This ABS research project, which is supported by the National Technical University of Athens and Metrisis, will continue to further develop the sensor compactness and connectivity with the engine control room.