In a recent analysis, the Brussels-based non-governmental organization Transport and Environment (T&E) has called for the shipping industry to implement “slow steaming”—the practice of operating vessels at reduced speeds—as an immediate measure to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. T&E’s study suggests that decreasing ship speeds to 75% of current levels could result in a 47% reduction in carbon emissions. Even when accounting for the deployment of additional vessels to maintain cargo capacity, emissions could still be reduced by 34%.
Historical Context and Current Practices:
Around 2010, the average sailing speed for container ships was approximately 22 knots. In response to environmental concerns and fuel costs, major carriers, including Maersk, adopted slow steaming practices, reducing average speeds to about 17.5-18 knots. Recently, speeds have increased slightly to around 19 knots but remain below levels from a decade ago.
Technical Feasibility:
Niels Madsen, Vice President of Product & Operations at Sea-Intelligence, notes that while reducing speeds to 14-15 knots is technically possible, especially for newer vessels, it presents challenges. Older ships may face engine limitations, but solutions such as de-rating kits and optimized propeller modifications can enhance fuel efficiency at lower speeds.
Market Challenges:
Implementing further speed reductions faces obstacles due to current market conditions. The Red Sea crisis has forced ships to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing voyage times and fuel costs, thereby absorbing nearly all excess capacity. Port congestion and labor disputes in regions like Canada and the U.S. have further disrupted vessel schedules. These factors make additional speed reductions challenging without exacerbating delays and capacity shortages.
Industry Perspectives:
Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, acknowledges that slow steaming has been a valuable tool for reducing emissions in container shipping. However, he emphasizes that current extended sailing distances and the lack of excess capacity have limited the feasibility of further speed reductions.
Conclusion:
While slow steaming offers a practical approach to lowering emissions, its implementation must be balanced against operational constraints and market realities. Achieving further speed reductions would require significant collaboration between carriers and shippers, as well as careful consideration of the current logistical landscape.
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