107 FEATURE reduce friction between the hull and water, waste heat recovery systems that capture engine energy for auxiliary power, and propeller redesigns or repitching to match new operational profiles. Existing vessels can also benefit from bulbous bow modifications optimised for current speed and route conditions. Onboard energy use can be lowered through optimised HVAC systems and engine/exhaust energy harvesting, while the increasing prevalence of shore power systems enable ships to significantly reduce their emissions. Mia Elg, R&D manager at maritime consultancy Deltamarin, identifies three key questions as essential for deciding on a solution for a shipowner looking to design a low-emission vessel. “Our work starts with answering: What fuel type? Which energy saving technologies? What power train set-up?” she says. “We build out the optimal solution from there. We have a holistic view of ship design that enables us to orchestrate the ship systems that are most appropriate to the required operational demands of the vessel and to present an optimised package of technologies that will realise the greatest efficiencies and ultimately the most profitable return on operations.” As passenger shipping navigates this era of unprecedented regulatory and technological change, the industry faces a dual challenge: compliance and competitiveness. Meeting the IMO NetZero targets and regional regulations will require careful planning, long-term investment, and adoption of cuttingedge technologies, from alternative fuels and energy-efficient hull designs to advanced onboard systems. Yet, these challenges come with a clear opportunity: operators that proactively embrace decarbonisation can differentiate themselves in a market increasingly driven by environmental awareness and reduce operational costs over the long term. By preparing their vessels for the future, they can both safeguard the value of their investments and help to shape maritime travel in the years to come. Those that see the opportunity in this pivotal moment may be able to not only meet emissions requirements, but also turn sustainability into a strategic advantage for their fleet and their brand. Propellers can be redesigned to match the operational profile of a vessel to maximise efficiency Photo: Wartsila
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