The first voyages conducted as part of the Blue Visby ‘prototype trials’ have indicated that the platform can deliver ‘significant savings of CO2 emissions’.
In a statement sent to Bunkerspot today (21 May), the Blue Visy Consortium reported that the voyages took place on board the bulk carriers M/V Gerdt Oldendorff and the M/V Begonia in March and April. The vessels were under voyage charter to Blue Visby Consortium member CBH Group and performing ballast voyages to CBH Group’s Kwinana Grain Terminal, Australia.
According to the Blue Visby Consortium statement: ‘The prototype trials resulted in CO2 savings of 28.2% for M/V Gerdt Oldendorff and 12.9% on M/V Begonia meaning on average 17.3%, measured against the vessels’ respective service speeds of 14 knots. In the case of the M/V Gerdt Oldendorff, the prototype trial resulted in CO2 savings of 7.9% measured against the vessel’s intended voyage speed of 12knots. If the vessel was required to speed up to 14 knots for example to meet a laycan then the potential CO2 savings would have been 28.2%.’
The Blue Visby Consortium added: ‘The accumulating evidence demonstrates that the systemic optimisation of the ocean passage can deliver substantial reductions in emissions, in a way that is compatible with the commercial and contractual structure of bulk maritime trade, and without causing disruption, as the Blue Visby Solution does not interfere with voyage planning or with cargo operations. The Blue Visby Solution requires no CAPEX, is compatible with any other measure for reducing emissions, while its unique benefit sharing mechanism removes the obstacle of split incentives and can create financial benefits for all participants.’
Prototype trials with a wider group of participants will now be conducted in the coming months, as the R&D phase of the Blue Visby is completed and commercial deployment begins.
