Once considered future fuels, options like LNG, methanol and ammonia are quickly becoming current fuels for the maritime industry. However, as alternative fuel-enabled ships start hitting the water, challenges remain for both availability and risk assessment.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Dinesh Balraj, Maersk Head of Fleet Operations East, and Shu Yong Koh, ABS Director of Global Sustainability, explore some of the biggest challenges of methanol as a marine fuel with host Brad Cox, ABS.

If you like this episode, share it with your colleagues, leave a review, or send us feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• Maersk is using methanol as a pioneer fuel to achieve carbon neutrality and meet their ambitious sustainability goals.
• Methanol offers speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable option for reducing emissions.
• The complete methanol value chain is still developing, with challenges in sourcing and infrastructure.
• ABS has published a bunkering advisory to support the safe handling of methanol.
• Methanol is expected to play a key role in the future fuel mix, but a diverse range of green fuels is also anticipated.

Guests
Dinesh Balraj is the Head of Fleet Operations East at A.P. Moller-Maersk. Dinesh oversees the technical management of a fleet comprising 185 container vessels. In this role, Dinesh champions safety, reliability and energy efficiency, leveraging his diverse background spanning Chief Engineer, Classification Surveyor, Fleet Superintendent, and Fleet Manager positions. As a key member of the Fleet Management and Technology leadership team, Dinesh spearheads strategic initiatives aimed at driving cultural transformation, decarbonization efforts, and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Shu Yong Koh serves as ABS Director of Global Sustainability, responsible for driving the ABS sustainability strategy and assisting ship owners and operators with achieving their sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals through industry-leading support and digital solutions. He has been involved in various sustainability initiatives and is actively pursuing the challenges of the maritime and shipping industry. He is working on energy, emissions and innovative technologies associated with alternative fuels, taking into account technical, environmental, regulatory and economic factors.

As the maritime industry grapples with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we have seen a multitude of regulations intended to drive progress. Now we have the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which introduces the concept of well-to-wake carbon equivalent emissions per megajoule of energy and it enters into force in January 2025.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Francesco Bellusci, Managing Director of Scorpio Ship Management, Ricardo Batista, Policy Officer with the European Commission’s DG-MOVE, and Stamatis Fradelos, ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to discuss the implementation and challenges of FuelEU. The group discusses wind-assisted propulsion incentives, the role of carbon capture technology and the regulation’s emissions pooling mechanism.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• The FuelEU Maritime Regulation aims to decarbonize maritime transport by reducing carbon intensity and promoting the use of renewable fuels.
• Wind-assisted propulsion is seen as a technology that can contribute to emissions reduction and incentives for using it are included in the regulation.
• Carbon capture is not currently included in the regulation, but there is potential for its inclusion in the future.
• The pooling function in FuelEU incentivizes compliance and rewards overachievers by allowing companies to pool ships and trade surplus emissions.
• FuelEU is seen as a first step toward global implementation of a similar International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulation.
• Collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders are essential for the successful implementation of decarbonization measures in the maritime sector.

Guests
Francesco Bellusci is the Managing Director of Scorpio Ship Management. Francesco was Technical Director in Scorpio from 1995, Designated Person Ashore (DPA) from 1997 and was appointed General Manager in 2008. He has been the Managing Director since 2010. Francesco was instrumental for the success of Scorpio Tankers fleet renewal into ECO design and the transition from Scorpio Bulkers into Eneti Inc. and wind offshore renewable.

Ricardo Batista is a Policy Officer with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG-MOVE), Maritime Transport unit. In the Commission, Ricardo is engaged in the development, negotiation and preparatory work for implementing the FuelEU Maritime Regulation under the Fit for 55 package. Before joining the European Commission, Ricardo worked in the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), responsible for technical and scientific support to the Commission on several topics of ship safety and sustainability, with a focus on energy systems. Ricardo has previous experience as a Marine Engineer onboard naval ships and a Naval Architect involved with newbuild and retrofit works. He also has classification society experience.

Stamatis Fradelos is ABS Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. The Regulatory Affairs team interfaces with the IMO, flag Administrations and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), facilitating the application of regulations and maintaining ABS and clients’ awareness on regulatory issues being progressed and developed internationally. Stamatis is also a member of IACS board of directors, the IACS council and the IACS Sub-Committee on Quality Policy participating in IACS governance and strategic decisions.

Digital twins have captured the maritime industry’s attention amid the global journey toward digitalization and decarbonization. However, confusion remains about what exactly a digital twin is, what it isn’t and how it can be used.

On this episode of Setting Course, an ABS Podcast, Eric VanDerHorn, ABS Technology Manager, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss digital twins and the potential benefits for the maritime industry.

If you like this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, or send feedback to [email protected]. More episodes are available at www.eagle.org/podcast and all major podcast platforms.

Key Points

• Digital twins are a hot topic in the maritime industry, with over 20,000 publications mentioning them in 2023 alone.
• The concept of a digital twin can be traced back to the use of physical twins throughout history to better understand the real world.
• Building a digital twin involves integrating various data sources and models, but there is no grand unified model yet.
• Digital twins offer potential advantages in areas such as diagnostics, predictive maintenance, performance optimization and training.
• Digital twins can also be used to support decision making in the decarbonization journey of shipowners and operators.

Guest

Eric VanDerHorn is a Technology Manager for ABS. He supports digital transformation in the maritime industry by developing and qualifying cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins, smart functions, structural health monitoring, asset integrity management, predictive analytics, and condition-based Class programs. Eric holds a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a doctorate in civil engineering with a focus on uncertainty quantification from Vanderbilt University.

As the commercial spaceflight industry continues to grow, so does the need to support offshore operations such as launch and recovery. Enter a new type of offshore support vessel (OSV) that can play a vital role in this skyrocketing sector.

On this episode of Setting Course, Captain Bryan Dietz, Master of Space Perspective’s MS Voyager, and Tyson Breedlove, ABS Manager of Business Development for Global Offshore, join host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss these new space support vessels.

If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your friends. Feedback is also welcome at [email protected].

Listen to more episodes at www.eagle.org/podcast or on your favorite podcast platform.

Key Points

• The space industry is experiencing significant growth, with increasing interest in commercial spaceflight and space exploration.
• Offshore support vessels (OSVs) are being adapted and certified for space support operations, including launch and recovery operations.
• ABS, as a class society, plays a crucial role in the conversion and certification of OSVs for space support.
• Modifications to Space Perspective’s vessel include lengthening, propulsion system changes, additional crew accommodations, rewiring and safety enhancements.

Guests
Captain Bryan Dietz is the Master of the world’s first marine spaceport, the MS Voyager, for Space Perspective. He is a native of Long Island, N.Y., and was born into a saltwater fishing and boating family. He graduated from SUNY Maritime College and has more than a decade of experience in the offshore sector, including ultra deepwater subsea construction.

Tyson Breedlove is a Business Development Manager in Global Offshore for ABS and leads the team’s offshore space strategy. Breedlove has worked in the maritime industry for 16 years, the first 12 of which were in the field as a surveyor in South Korea and Singapore.

The rapid pace at which technologies are evolving and emerging within the marine and offshore industries requires an agile approach to asset design.

On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss ABS’ risk-based approach to its Rules with ABS Chief Engineer, Derek Novak; ABS Vice President of Class Standards, Dan Cronin, and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media.

Key Points

• ABS is adopting a risk-based approach to rules in response to industry changes.
• The risk-based approach focuses on safety and can be applied to any technical situation.
• The approach allows for the adoption of new technologies and innovations without being held back by the lack of specific requirements.
• ABS had made changes to improve clarity and accessibility, including the introduction of Rule Manager 2.0.

Learn more about how ABS is supporting the industry at https://www.eagle.org.

If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your contacts. This episode is available at https://www.eagle.org/podcast and on your favorite podcast platforms.

Guests
Derek Novak is the Chief Engineer for ABS. He oversees interpretation, application and compliance with ABS Rules across all ABS Engineering offices worldwide. Novak joined ABS in 1994 and has held a number of senior management roles within the organization, including Senior Vice President for Engineering and Technology, President and Chief Operating Officer – Pacific Division, Vice President of Operations – Pacific Division, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Engineering, and Manager – Naval Engineering.

Dan Cronin is the Vice President of Class Standards for ABS. He oversees the Rule Development process and is leading the Rules 2025 initiative. Cronin joined ABS in 1997 and has held several roles within the organization, including Vice President of Digital Class, Vice President of Engineering for Americas, and Manager of Ship and Offshore Engineering in Singapore.

The maritime industry is facing a myriad of challenges on the journey to decarbonization. On this special Singapore Maritime Week episode of Setting Course, guests from Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL), PaxOcean and ABS discuss the challenges and solutions shaping the industry’s future.

Chern Meng Huat, PCL General Manager of Technical Fleet Management, Sidat Senanayake, PaxOcean Head of Commercial and Shu Yong Koh, ABS Global Sustainability Director, join host Brad Cox, ABS, to talk about how collaboration is key to advancing maritime decarbonization.

Key Points

• Ship owners face broad challenges on the decarbonization pathway, such as fleet diversity, regulatory uncertainty, technological limitations, operational optimization and crew training.
• Industry collaboration and partnerships are crucial in developing effective decarbonization strategies.
• Initiatives such as the use of alternative fuels, energy-saving technologies, and eco-friendly ship designs are being pursued to reduce emissions.
• The future of decarbonization requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and a global commitment to sustainability.

Learn more about the outlook for the maritime industry’s decarbonization journey in Beyond the Horizon: View of the Emerging Value Chains.

If you like this episode, leave a review and share the episode with your friends.

Guests:
With over 25 years of industry experience, Chern Meng Huat started his career sailing as an engine cadet to Chief Engineer. Before joining Pacific Carrier Limited (PCL), he worked as a marine surveyor, gaining insights into different industry facets. Now, as General Manager, Technical Fleet Management, he oversees the operation, maintenance, and safety of vessels under PCL's purview.

Sidat Senanayake is the Head of Commercial for PaxOcean Group and based in Singapore, where he is responsible for the group’s global commercial activities covering newbuilding, conversions, repairs and fabrication. He has spent over 20 years covering the maritime and offshore sector in financing, marketing, business development, restructuring and risk management roles. His last role was Head of Risk Management & Compliance for Kuok Group Singapore, the parent company of PaxOcean Group.

Shu Yong Koh serves as ABS Director of Global Sustainability, responsible for driving the ABS sustainability strategy and assisting ship owners and operators with achieving their sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals through industry-leading support and digital solutions. He has been involved in various sustainability initiatives and is actively pursuing the challenges of the maritime and shipping industry. He is working on energy, emissions and innovative technologies associated with alternative fuels, taking into account technical, environmental, regulatory and economic factors.

As the marine industry increasingly considers applications for autonomous technologies, regulatory bodies must adapt and assess these technologies to promote safe use.

On this episode of Setting Course, Joseph Gardemal, ABS Regulatory Affairs Manager, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media, to discuss the development of a regulatory framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

Gardemal discusses the drivers behind autonomous regulations, the degrees of autonomy and what the evolving regulations are aiming to achieve.

Learn more about some of the regulatory trends facing the industry at www.eagle.org/regulatorytrends.

Guest
Joseph Gardemal is a Regulatory Affairs Manager for ABS. He is responsible for providing advisory support on new and ongoing developments taking place at IMO. He has been with ABS for 17 years, with a focus on design of ships and offshore units for regulatory compliance.

Seafarers are the backbone of the global maritime industry. They are also among the most affected when the industry undergoes change, whether from new technologies, staffing shortages or geopolitical tensions.

On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss the challenges facing current and future seafarers with Chuck Kemper, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jennifer Harrison, ABS Senior Director of Learning Strategy, and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media.

Listen to more episodes of Setting Course at www.eagle.org/podcast.

Guests
Chuck Kemper is Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at ABS. He leads the global human resources’ function, facilities and real estate, as well as security for the organization. He has over two decades of experience in the human resources field.

Jennifer Harrison has almost 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, the last 21 of which have been with ABS, where she has worked in various roles in software consulting, business development, marketing, public relations and training. Since 2022, Jennifer has led the technical training development function for employees, including delivering programs for ABS Academies in Houston, Shanghai, Singapore, Busan, Doha and Athens. Jennifer also oversees the ABS Academy client training services. Before joining ABS, Jennifer was a ship personnel manager and crew purser working on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

While regulations and the global energy transition have brought a wide range of alternative fuels into the spotlight, nuclear energy has emerged as a zero-carbon option with broad potential for the marine and offshore industries.

On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss the potential for nuclear energy with Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Meg Dowling, ABS Technology Engineer and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media. Patrick and Meg provide insight into potential applications, challenges, opportunities and regulatory hurdles for nuclear energy for maritime applications.

Learn more about some of the major technology trends facing the industry at www.eagle.org/techtrends.

Key Points

• The shipping industry is considering nuclear power as an alternative fuel source to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Nuclear power could be used in the production of alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen.
• Advanced nuclear technologies are being developed to address safety concerns and improve efficiency and performance.
• Technical challenges in commercializing nuclear propulsion for merchant ships include reactor design, manufacturing and transportation.
• Collaboration between the maritime industry and nuclear regulatory bodies is necessary to develop new regulations and support the use of nuclear power.

Guests
Patrick Ryan is Senior Vice President, Global Technology and Digital Product Development, and Chief Technology Officer for ABS. He is responsible for ABS’ technology research and development, digital product development, engineering software organizations and seven Global Technology Centers. He joined ABS in 2019. For 21 years prior, he was in various ship design, program management and engineering leadership roles at the largest shipyard in the United States.

Meg Dowling is a Senior Engineer in the Energy Transition group for ABS Americas Technology. She serves as the ABS Nuclear Programs Lead and has been involved in research and project development subjects related to sustainable shipping initiatives and alternative power options, including biofuels, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Meg received her BS in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering from the Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Between the IMO’s goal for net-zero emissions by 2050 and rapidly evolving technologies, the marine and offshore industries are facing a complex decade of change.

On this episode of Setting Course, Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President for Global Business Development and Global Marine, joins host John Snyder, Managing Editor for Riviera Maritime Media, for a broad discussion on how the industry and class societies are reacting to the decade of change. Vassilios also discusses the technologies and alternative fuels poised to impact the industry.

To learn more about how ABS is supporting the maritime industries, visit www.eagle.org.

Key Points

• The maritime industry is undergoing rapid changes to meet IMO's net zero targets by 2050.
• New ships, low- and zero-carbon fuels, new engines and technologies, digitalization, and seafarer training are all factoring into the industry’s decarbonization journey.
• ABS and the class process are evolving to focus on sustainability and digitalization.
• The industry is moving toward a multi-fuel future, with a mix of alternative fuels depending on the type of vessel and operation.
• Safety considerations and crew familiarization are crucial in the adoption of new technologies and fuels.
• ABS is supporting the industry's decarbonization journey through joint development projects, developing rules and guidelines, talent development, and the establishment of sustainability and technology centers.

Guest
Vassilios Kroustallis is Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Global Marine for ABS, responsible for client relationship management and business solution development across the ABS operational hemispheres. Previously he served as Vice President, Global Business Development of Europe for ABS, responsible for client relationship management and business solution development within the region.