Maritime News Capsule: Know about world's first hydrogen-powered ferry, bulker stuck off Cape Town & more
From MIT researchers warning against use of ammonia in a maritime fuels to North Carolina introducing new speed limits for small boats to protect whales, here's a roundup of recent significant maritime news and updates.
Philippine Coast Guard in active search for Ukrainian captain lost at Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard has been conducting actively search operations for the missing captain of the containership Cape Bonavista in the waters near Lubang Island. The vessel, managed by Columbia Shipmanagement and chartered to CMA CGM, departed from Davao City and was en route to China when the crew noticed his absence. CCTV footage last recorded him at 10:46 PM local time on July 6.
MV Sea Change: Revolutionary hydrogen-powered ferry sets sail in San Francisco and is free to ride
Photo courtesy: All American Marine
California officials announced the launch of the what is touted to be the world's first commercial hydrogen-powered passenger ferry. MV Sea Change, fueled by 100% hydrogen, is a 70-foot catamaran that will operate on the San Francisco Bay. The vessel has the capability to offer emissions-free transport for up to 75 passengers between Pier 41 and the downtown ferry terminal, effective July 19. The initiative aims to replace diesel-powered vessels with eco-friendly alternatives, in turn, reducing carbon emissions. The ferry service will remain free for six months, as part of a pilot program, to assess its feasibility and impact.
Ammonia in maritime fuel could increase premature deaths without emissions controls, warns MIT
Researchers from MIT have led a significant study that highlights concerns around adopting ammonia as a maritime fuel. Without stricter emissions controls, these could exacerbate air quality issues and cause public health risks, showed the study.
Maritime shipping, contributing to almost 3% of global CO2 emissions, is linked to around 100,000 premature deaths annually, which are caused by poor air quality. While ammonia offers a potentially low-carbon alternative, its combustion releases nitrous oxide and nitrogen oxides, contributing to fine particulate matter that can lead to unforeseeable severe health issues. Current projections are suggesting a concerning rise in deaths if ammonia adoption proceeds without stringent regulations. However, utilization of cleaner technologies could mitigate these impacts significantly.
Korean tech firms team up for first onboard carbon capture system on container ship
Photo credit: Korean Register (KR)
HMM, Samsung Heavy Industries, PANASIA, and Korea Register have installed South Korea's maiden onboard carbon capture system (OCCS) on a sub-Panamax container vessel, HMM Mongla.
Developed in April 2023, the OCCS captures, liquefies, and stores CO2 emissions from ship exhaust, undergoing verification and operational trials. Korea Register oversaw risk assessments and compliance, taking a significant step toward maritime emissions reduction.
Rough weather hampers salvage efforts for grounded ship off Cape Town
Image courtesy: VesselFinder
Salvage operations for the grounded bulk carrier, Ultra Galaxy, off Cape Town, South Africa, have been delayed due to harsh weather conditions. The Panama-flagged coal-carrying vessel, ran aground in June and remains stuck despite initial attempts to refloat it. Efforts were also put in to prevent any possibility of an oil spill.
"Salvage operations are continuing at high speed to minimize the risk of pollution and to assess the condition of the cargo on the stricken vessel," Tebogo Ramatjie, stated a spokesperson for the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
The entire crew of 18 members, however, was successfully rescued with the aid of a safety raft on Monday.
North Carolina to review proposed small boat speed limits in order to help protect endangered North Atlantic whales
Photo courtesy: NOAA Fisheries
North Carolina is considering new speed limits for small boats, in efforts to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. These measures aim to reduce collisions - a major threat that these mammals face. The state is reviewing proposals that might impose stricter speed restrictions in certain areas to safeguard the marine animals.
Moreover, scientists are emphasizing the urgency, keeping in mind their critically low population. Environmentalists are also supporting the cause, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these endangered species.
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