Environment

U.S. Committee on Natural Resources presents ‘Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act’

‘This bill provides a roadmap for ocean and coastal climate resilience, and responsibly uses them to curb the pollution that is intensifying the climate crisis,’ said Chairman.

Published

6 years ago

October 26, 2020

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The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on Tuesday (20 October) said its Committee Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) unveiled his Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act at a virtual press conference with his co-lead, House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Chair Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), original cosponsors, and a range of bill endorsers.

This landmark legislation was introduced by more than a dozen members of the House of Representatives to address the ocean impacts of climate change and reform federal ocean management to better account for climate mitigation, it said.

“A healthy ocean is key to fighting the climate crisis,” said Grijalva during the event.

“This bill provides a roadmap for ocean and coastal climate resilience, and responsibly uses them to curb the pollution that is intensifying the climate crisis.

“We must stop the ongoing damage to our oceans to protect the food, jobs and coastlines that millions of Americans depend on. A healthy ocean is an environmental justice issue and we made sure to put protections for low income and communities of color at the front and center.

“I’m grateful for the true champions for our ocean who joined me today. I could think of no better partners in this fight than the Members of Congress, scientists and advocates who have been my partners in advancing climate solutions for our oceans.”

“The ocean is a powerful ally in the climate fight, and unleashing its potential will help us reach our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier,” added Castor.

“The Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act incorporates many of the recommendations in our Climate Crisis Action Plan, which gives Congress a roadmap for creating a healthier, more resilient, and more just America.

“It will unleash the incredible power of the ocean and address the threat that offshore drilling poses to America’s coastal communities, including my own community in the Tampa Bay.”

The recorded livestream of the press conference can be viewed here.

Among other features, the Committee published the following details of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act:

Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The bill supports the transition to a clean energy economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with ocean sectors and increasing ocean-based renewable energy—helping us to move away from fossil fuels and protect the ocean and coastal habitats that are important to healthy fish, marine wildlife, and coastal economies.

Increases Carbon Storage in Blue Carbon Ecosystems. The bill recognizes the carbon storage potential and other co-benefits provided by “blue carbon” ecosystems like salt marshes, sea grasses, and mangroves. These ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and safely store it at a rate of up to four times that of forests on land. They also protect coastal communities by limiting the impacts of coastal erosion, flooding, and storms—all while providing habitat for marine wildlife and fisheries.

Promotes Coastal Resiliency and Adaptation to protect our coasts and communities from the climate impacts we can’t avoid. It authorizes investment in coastal restoration and resilience that is a win-win-win for our economy, our frontline communities, and our environment.

Improves Ocean Protection by promoting and protecting healthy ocean systems and wildlife populations, which are better able to adapt to the effects of climate change. Marine protected areas, like our protected areas on land, are a key part of protecting biodiversity while tackling climate change – which is more critical than ever in the face of the biodiversity crisis.

Supports Climate-Ready Fisheries with the development and implementation of strategies to improve the management of fisheries in a changing climate and also helps to promote U.S. seafood sourced from environmentally and climate-friendly fisheries.

Tackles Ocean Health Challenges by addressing the ocean health challenges of ocean acidification and harmful algal blooms, both of which cause significant harm to the U.S. seafood, recreation, and tourism industries, as well as human communities and ocean wildlife and ecosystems.

Restores U.S. Leadership in International Ocean Governance by strengthening U.S. leadership in international ocean governance at a time when transboundary pressures on our ocean demands a coordinated response. These actions would both strengthen U.S. security and promote a resilient global ocean for the 21st century.

The bill text of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act can be viewed here, a section-by-section summary is available here and a fact sheet on the bill can be viewed here.

Photo credit: U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources
Published: 26 October, 2020

Alternative Fuels

South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

Bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

Published

4 days ago

August 13, 2026

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South Korea’s Polaris Shipping orders tri-fuel bulk carriers for Vale charter deal

South Korean shipowner Polaris Shipping recently said it has signed a newbuilding contract for four tri-fuel vessels with Chinese shipbuilder Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry on 4 August.

The 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carriers, which will be delivered sequentially from 2031, will be equipped with WinGD-developed engines capable of using methanol, ethanol and heavy fuel oil as marine fuels.

The vessels are also designed as LNG- and ammonia-ready ships, allowing them to be converted to LNG or ammonia propulsion in the future.

Polaris Shipping also plans to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by applying various energy-saving technologies, including wind-assist propulsion systems, rotor sails, departure optimisation and land-based systems, to the vessels.

Polaris Shipping has completed a 25-year long-term charter contract for the bulk carriers with Brazilian iron ore producer Vale.

Polaris Shipping plans to sign construction contracts for up to four additional 210,000-dwt eco-friendly Newcastlemax bulk carriers with Chinese shipbuilder Hengli Heavy Industries in the near future. The Newcastlemax bulk carriers ordered from Hengli will be built as high-efficiency, environmentally friendly vessels to replace the company’s existing older bulk carriers.

Photo credit: Polaris Shipping
Published: 13 August, 2026

Biofuel

MESD study finds existing Singapore harbour craft ready for B100 bio bunker fuel adoption

Results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

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MESD study finds existing Singapore harbour craft ready for B100 bio bunker fuel adoption

Singapore’s Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD) on Wednesday (5 August) said the findings of its latest study indicate that existing large harbour craft in Singapore are ready for the adoption of B100 biodiesel, provided appropriate fuel handling, storage and additive practices are in place.

The findings were published in MESD’s public report, Study on the Readiness of Existing Large Harbour Craft for B100 Biodiesel in Singapore.

“Overall, the results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented,” MESD said in a social media post.

“This represents an important step towards supporting the wider adoption of sustainable marine fuels and advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation journey.”

The study evaluated fuel storage stability, engine performance, emissions and operational readiness through controlled laboratory testing and sea trials involving a tugboat and a bunker tanker.

MESD said the findings are highly encouraging, which include:

Stable engine performance was maintained throughout the 200-hour sea trials, with no significant power loss, abnormal fuel-consumption trends or critical operational disruptions.
Antioxidant additives improved oxidation stability and helped reduce the risk of fuel degradation during storage.
B100 achieved brake thermal efficiency comparable to diesel, while producing lower carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions, with a modest increase in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Led by the MESD, the study was conducted in collaboration with KST Maritime Pte Ltd, V-Bunkers Tankers, Alpha biofuels, Aderco, Maritec Naias and IHI Power Systems Co Ltd.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) also contributed to the study.

MESD added that further research on long-term engine endurance, fuel stability and material compatibility is ongoing under its FAME 1000 project, with a related public report expected to be released later this year.

Note: The report can be accessed here.

Photo credit: Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence
Published: 7 August, 2026

Biofuel

SDHI wins order from Svitzer to build four biofuel-ready tugs

Indian shipbuilder says it has secured a contract from Svitzer to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs, which are up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs.

Published

1 week ago

August 7, 2026

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SDHI wins order from Svitzer to build four biofuel-ready tugs

Indian shipbuilder Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) on Thursday (6 August) said it has secured a contract from Denmark-based towage operator Svitzer to construct four advanced TRAnsverse 3200 tugs.

The Transverse 3200 tugs will be biofuel, IMO Tier III emissions standards, and FiFi1 firefighting class ready, reflecting the vessels’ capability for reduced environmental impact and enhanced fire-response readiness in port and terminal operations.

The vessels will be built at SDHI’s yard in Pipavav, Gujarat, adjacent to the port where Svitzer also has a harbour towage operation. Deliveries for the order are scheduled to commence in early 2028.

The contract follows an extensive competitive evaluation of leading global shipyards. The high specification vessels will be constructed to the Bureau Veritas class.

Co-developed by naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and Svitzer, the patented TRAnsverse 3200 design is engineered for complex harbour towage and escort operations.

Featuring a unique hydrodynamic hull design and omni-directional propulsion, the vessels are capable of safely guiding large ships through severe weather and restricted port channels. Delivering an 80-tonne bollard pull, the TRAnsverse design is up to 15% more fuel efficient than conventional tug designs, directly supporting global maritime decarbonization goals.

Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena IN (retd.), CEO, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), said: “It is indeed a notable achievement for SDHI to construct one of the world’s most sophisticated towage vessels. Svitzer’s rigorous evaluation process reaffirms the strength of our engineering capabilities in the niche, high-specification vessel segment.”

Mr. Kasper Friis Nilaus, CEO, Svitzer, said: “Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug design offers significant benefits to customers in terms of releasing operational constraints and improving port productivity, sustainability and safety margins. We are pleased to partner with SDHI to deliver four of these next-generation vessels to the benefit of our customers and maritime supply chains globally.”

Photo credit: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries
Published: 7 August, 2026