The maritime industry is quickly evolving to meet global decarbonization goals. Different shipping sectors are modifying existing designs and developing new designs to reduce carbon emissions from vessels. Over time, similar actions will be required by the commercial fishing sector to gradually improve decarbonization. Considering the global trend, we have reviewed expected challenges and risks for the commercial fishing industry for this transition. Additionally, there are focuses on technological aspects that will likely require training and development.
There are many options for fishing vessels in the decarbonization space. For fuels, some of these include methanol, biofuels, ammonia and hydrogen; but with respect to technologies, may consider energy storage devices (batteries), fuel cell, fuel cracking, carbon capturing, catalytic reductions etc. can be considered. All these technologies are still under various stages of development and require some time to be matured in various maritime sectors. There are different viable options, and the right choice will vary relative to the anticipated conditions. For example, while electrification may provide the best choice for short-range travel in ideal conditions, fishing in the North Sea would require a more robust solution like methanol or ammonia where the low temperatures wouldn’t affect range. However, the timeline for these options is variable and what will become commercially viable will change between the short, mid and the long-term solutions. At the moment, biofuels and electrification are the most likely solutions to be implemented on a wide scale due to the maturity in the technologies. In the mid-term, methanol is likely to be commercially available while in the long-term we can expect ammonia and hydrogen to become options as costs for production come down and fuel availability goes up along with advancement of applicable technologies.
It is very important to give adequate attention to the utmost health and safety conditions while making decisions to convert a vessel to a net-zero carbon solution. Every energy type is unique and can be a guiding factor for safe implementation. The aspects that should be considered include fuel toxicity, flammability, explosivity and much more. Some examples of this would include considering arrangements for a vessel that runs on ammonia due to the toxicity of the fuel. Preparations would include proper personal protective equipment, safety mechanisms in place and training for all crew involved in the handling of the fuel. It is here that the American Bureau of Shipping is working on guidelines that will support the fishing community with all the foreseeable options.
There are many changes that are coming to the community and to the maritime industry as a whole. These changes will bring a variety of questions and the answers are not always necessarily a web search away. Different group members e.g., the International Maritime Organization, flag administrations, classification societies, other stakeholders are involved to develop requirements to use these fuels and technologies to mitigate associated risks and challenges. Our partnerships with these groups, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have allowed us to interact with both individual members of the community and partners. The ultimate goal is to investigate the suitability of different non carbon or low carbon-based fuels and associated technologies for the commercial fishing industry considering associated risks and challenges.
