GHG Reduction Measures Webinar

In its series of capacity building webinars for climate change mitigation in the maritime shipping industry, MTCC Africa held a virtual webinar on GHG Reduction Measures in the African Maritime Sector In-Line with International and National Regulations on 5th August 2021. Click Here for Presentations & Speeches

GHG reduction is a pivotal discussion in the Maritime’s industry ambition to become carbon neutral. In 2018, the IMO adopted an initial GHG strategy to guide the international shipping in reduction of GHG emissions. The overarching goal is to phase-out these noxious gases as soon as possible.

This is the primary aim that IMO has been executing global technical cooperation projects such as, the Global MTCCs Network (GMN) – to support the capacity of states in implementing energy efficiency in the shipping sector.

Speaking during the webinar, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime, Mrs. Nancy Karigithu, noted that climate change mitigation is fundamental in implementing Africa’s Agenda 2063.

“The African Region has shown great commitment to address climate change in the maritime and shipping industry. Africa’s Agenda 2063 has recognized Marine resources, Energy, and Ports Operations and Marine Transport as priority areas towards the attainment of the aspiration on A Prosperous Africa, based on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.” posed Mrs. Karigithu in commenting on measures taken by the African continent towards energy efficiency.

Dr. Hiram Nderitu, MTCC Africa’s Project Director, observed that uptake of low carbon technologies will not only save the world from climate change but also costly oil spills, that happen in utilization of fossil fuels.

The crux of the webinar’s presentations centered around the role of Port State Control (PSC) in GHG reductions and the use of alternative fuels with the attendant bunkering facilities in ports. Click Here for Presentations & Speeches

MTCC Africa was honored to have its sister MTCC represented in the webinar by Cpt. Sukhjit Singh, the MTCC Caribbean Technical Head & Mr. Stephan Nanan, the MTCC Caribbean Deputy Director to give presentations on their regional perspective of the subject matter.

Cpt. Sukhjit Singh, delivered a presentation based on his extensive experience on port state control. “PSC checks on technology readiness of a vessel, from a technical and operational standpoint- in reference to IMO’s GHG emissions regulations” explained Cpt. Singh. Instructively, to improve effectiveness of PSC activities in a country, Cpt. Singh offered three points: a country should join memoranda on PSC, ratify IMO’s convention on GHG emissions and conduct capacity building for PSC officers.

On the state of alternative fuels bunkering in ports, Mr.Stephan Nanan, first clarified that LNG fuels are transitional as they are also carbon based. With the adoption of IMO’s mandatory measures on GHG emissions reduction in shipping, there has been a steady increase in demand for LNG powered ships. Switching to LNG offers a vessel significant advantage in compliance with Marpol’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), currently mandatory for new ships. LNG-fueled vessels can reduce their EEDI rating by 20% while their carbon intensity indicator can also be reduced by approximately the same amount, according to data by DNV. Accordingly, GHG emissions can be reduced by up to 23% with modern engine technology.

“Better information to comment on the true sustainability of fuels is needed. This can happen through Life Cycle Assessment of fuels( LCA) which is not only related to a fuel’s combustion in the engine, but also the whole life cycle of the fuel starting at the well,” emphasized Mr.Nanan.

Eng. Denis Mulwa, the Kenya Port Authority’s (KPA) Senior Electrical Engineer, highlighted some of the initiatives undertaken by Mombasa Port under the Green Port policy. According to KPA Handbook 2020, Mombasa Port currently emits 400 tons of GHGs each year, projected to double in the next 10 years under a business as usual scenario. Hence, the Green Port policy has introduced practical strategies aimed at reducing electricity and fuel consumption by vessels, trucks and port equipment. These initiatives include installation of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 750KW. KPA also plans to install shore power facilities for container ships, convectional cargo and small crafts. Already, all the new terminals are fitted with the backbone infrastructure for shore power installation.

In closing the webinar, the last presenter, Eng. Luke Samba, Kenya Maritime Authority Marine Officer, highlighted that ships operators and charterers should be sensitive of GHG emissions and ensure voyages are planned properly to reduce carbon footprint of their vessels.

This virtual webinar aimed to provide maritime administrations in the region with in-depth knowledge highlighting measures to be considered whilst implementing GHG reduction measures in the maritime and shipping industry within the region in support of the growth of the blue economy. For this reason, the target audience for this webinar was maritime shipping industry players from government institutions, port authorities and maritime administrations.

MTCC Africa remains committed to building capacity for climate change mitigation in the maritime shipping industry and demonstrable projects towards improving energy efficiency in the maritime sector.