Monitoring phase for a Clean Inland Shipping project begins
Marine South East is one of the partners in a European project looking at Clean Inland Shipping solutions named CLINSH. The monitoring phase of the project is about to begin.
The Dutch led project is aiming to address growing concerns about the contribution of waterborne transport to poor urban air quality and noise.
The vessels which will be monitored for two years have been selected. The vessels will test various emissions-reducing technologies including the use of alternative fuels. The data gathered will provide valuable information about the vessels' environmental performance and operating costs.
The technologies to be tested in this monitoring phase include SCR-DPF (Selective Catalytic Reduction in combination with a Diesel Particulate Filter), Fuel Water Emulsion technology and hybrid power installations. In addition some vessels will be adapted to run on alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas or Gas to Liquid Fuel.
Compared to other modes of transport, the inland waterway transport sector is underdeveloped in reducing emissions and developing clean technology. This is partly because ships and engines are long-lasting. The financial strength for investments in new material or adjustments is often lacking.
The overall purpose of the CLINSH project is to create a fully sustainable inland shipping sector, which entails reducing emissions of hazardous substances such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulates.
The practical trials on the vessels will commence in early 2018 once all the necessary modifications have been made to the craft. Data collected during regular operations will provide useful information for the sector itself and for public sector authorities at all levels: local, regional, national and international. A full list of the vessels taking part in the trials can be seen at http://www.clinsh.eu
It is hoped that the knowledge gained will support new policies intended to reduce harmful emissions. CLINSH will also reveal the economic implications for vessel owners and operators, presenting the business case for sustainability measures.
Participation in CLINSH will provide owners and operators with new knowledge about the various technologies available and the environmental benefits they offer. Improved environmental performance is likely to increase an operator's market appeal and help to attract new customers. Several large companies have already decided to award contracts to operators who are able to demonstrate their environmental responsibility. Investment in emissions control systems is therefore an investment in long-term business continuity. Moreover, project participants become eligible for a grant towards the cost of modifications which are likely to become mandatory in future. They are acting as pioneers within the sector.
CLINSH (CLean INland SHipping) involves a consortium of 17 partners from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK. Partners include ports, universities and industry associations. Marine South East is one of the consortium partners and the province of Zuid-Holland is the lead coordinator.
CLINSH is being co-funded under the European LIFE fund. More information can be found at http://www.clinsh.eu
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