Shipping ban may prompt fuel cell technology

A move by America and Canada to designate their coastal regions as “emission control areas” could speed the introduction of fuel cell ships.

Over 90% of all freight is carried by the world’s 50,000 merchant ships, an industry that is responsible for over 4 per cent of global CO₂emissions, but a wholesale move to low-carbon technology had been thought to be at least three decades away.

The American government has said ships sailing within 230 miles (370 km) of its coastline will need to meet a strict emissions standard that will involve the average vessel cutting its sulphur emissions by 98 per cent on average.

Canada hopes to create a similar buffer zone.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This ban on dirty ships will be a powerful incentive to quickly introduce cleaner technology.”

Energy efficient ships

Fuel cell ships rely on hydrogen rather than batteries to power an electric motor – not having to rely on batteries gives them a lower weight, longer range and a quicker refuelling time.

Other ways to reduce ships’ emissions include burning cleaner fuel, chemically “scrubbing” their exhaust, more efficient hull and propeller design and even the use of traction kites. A company called SkySails is developing a range of giant kites for use by diesel-powered freighters. SkySail kites, which can be as large as 320m² are able to reduce a ship’s fuel costs by up to 35%, depending on wind conditions.

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides motorists and cyclists with green breakdown cover and green insurance products and campaigns for sustainable transport – when you buy our services below you help fund our charitable work.