Cepsa has added a barge powered by hybrid technology (electric and diesel) to its fleet of marine fuel supply vessels in Algeciras and, according to the company, it is the first vessel of this type used for this type of work in the European Union. The vessel, built by Astilleros de Murueta, in Erandio (Vizcaya), is owned by the Spanish shipowner Mureloil and, as specified by Cepsa, allows fuel consumption to be reduced by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 35% compared to unconventional.
The vessel, built by Astilleros de Murueta, in Erandio (Vizcaya), is owned by the Spanish shipowner Mureloil and, as specified by Cepsa, allows fuel consumption to be reduced by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 35% compared to unconventional. “The barge will avoid the annual emission of more than 2,000 tons of CO2 and, in addition, when it is docked in the port it does not generate carbon emissions, which will contribute to reducing them in the ports in which it operates”, added the company and collects Press Europe.
An advance in the decarbonisation of maritime transport
This hybrid ship is equipped with four generator sets that allow electric propulsion, as well as a battery system for auxiliary services in port. “It also has a specific and optimized design that makes it more efficient and easy to maneuver. For its part, the cargo capacity, of 7,800 cubic meters, is distributed in 12 tanks and reduces the rotation of the ship, which translates into a lower consumption”, specified Cepsa.
In addition to conventional fuels, the hybrid barge can also deliver advanced biofuels, which can be used without the need for ship modifications and are capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the entire life cycle by up to 90% at traditional fossil fuels, according to Cepsa’s calculations.
“This is another example of the steady progress we are making with Positive Motion, as we adapt to offer sustainable solutions to our customers and European ports, and make progress in decarbonising shipping,” said the director of Bunker. from Cepsa, Samir Fernández.
A reduction of gases of 75% in 2050
The company has highlighted that, in addition to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and advanced biofuels, it is contemplating the supply of other sustainable marine fuels, such as green ammonia and methanol, once the recently announced Green Hydrogen Valley of Andalusia is launched. “the largest green hydrogen project in Europe”.
In that, the company has registered that the set of measures ‘Fit for 55’ approved by the European Commission includes the legislative initiative FuelEU Maritime, whose objective is to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from the energy used on board sense the ships.
Specifically, it contemplates a reduction of 2% in 2025, 6% in 2030 and 75% in 2050 compared to 2020 levels. “Likewise, from 2030, it will force ships to connect to an electricity supply in port to cover their electrical energy needs while they are moored at the dock, unless they use another zero emission technology”, added Cepsa.
