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Decarbonisation

DNV Maritime CEO urges shipping industry to take more action and move faster in bid to decarbonise

Though around half of newbuilds in 2023 are for ships capable of operating on non-conventional fuels, the reality is over 90% of the global fleet is still running on fossil fuels, points out Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.
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The shipping industry needs to do more and move faster to meet its decarbonisation ambition, says DNV Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen at the DNV Singapore Energy Transition Conference 2023.

While it was encouraging to see around half of newbuilds in 2023 are for ships capable of running on non-conventional fuels, the reality is that over 90% of the global fleet is still operating on fossil fuels.

According to Ørbeck-Nilssen, shipping leads the world in terms of transporting cargo, connecting markets, and empowering global trade; however, the industry must improve further when it comes to the environment.

“The challenges are not new – we have been talking about them for some time now – but the urgency is accelerating. The clock is ticking louder on efforts to identify, define, and resolve barriers to successful and safe decarbonisation,” he said a keynote address.

Ørbeck-Nilssen noted the best decarbonisation strategy will depend on different factors, such as vessel size and trading patterns. 

“Yet pragmatism and a defined pathway for the vessel’s life will be key to avoiding unattractive or stranded assets,” he added.

“We face the reality that carbon-neutral fuels will be expensive and in scarce supply and so we need to also look beyond just fuels and seriously consider how we can use less energy.”

Ørbeck-Nilssen also urged the industry to be open-minded and brave in facing upcoming challenges in maritime decarbonisation. 

“We need to show a willingness to explore all options on the table as we face up to what is surely the biggest challenge ever facing our industry,” he said, while emphasising the shipping industry should embrace initiatives such as green shipping corridors.  

These corridors bring together key stakeholders across the value chain, to collaborate, test different approaches, and identify and overcome hurdles – with the potential to inspire global action.

Ørbeck-Nilssen, meanwhile, also gave a preview of the latest Maritime Forecast to 2050 report in his keynote speech. 

“One of its key focuses is the importance of energy efficiency measures,” he said. 

“Energy efficiency is nothing new of course. Adjustments like speed reduction, route optimisation, and hull and propellor cleaning are already proven methods, and these are being steadily improved with the aid of better technology and digitalisation.”

Note: The full video recording of the Singapore Energy Transition Conference 2023 can be viewed here while the full version of the 7th edition of DNV’s Maritime Forecast to 2050 can be downloaded here

Related: DNV ‘Maritime Forecast to 2050’ report examines shipping’s energy future and role of technology in energy transition

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 15 September, 2023

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s alternative fuel bunkering infrastructure.
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July 21, 2026

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CIMC SOE secures order for 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Sinopec Clean Energy

China’s Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIMC SOE) recently signed a contract with Sinopec (Beijing) Clean Energy Co., Ltd. to build a 12,000-cubic metre (m3) LNG bunkering vessel, according to Chinese maritime media.

The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will support Sinopec’s efforts to expand its presence in the marine clean energy sector.

Once operational, the vessel is expected to strengthen Sinopec’s domestic coastal LNG bunkering network and help address gaps in China’s LNG bunkering infrastructure.

With this signing , CIMC Pacific Offshore Engineering’s LNG bunkering vessel orderbook is further strengthened, maintaining its leading position in the global market for small and medium-sized LNG bunkering vessels.

The contract also marked another milestone for CIMC SOE, which has seen a sharp increase in orders and business performance this year amid a surge in domestic LNG vessel demand.

 

Photo credit: Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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Nuclear

ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

KRISO says AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.
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July 21, 2026

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ABS awards AiP to Korean institute for SMR-powered container ship concept design

Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) on Thursday (16 July) received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its concept design of a 15,000 TEU Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-powered container ship utilising Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology.

KRISO said the AiP recognises the technical feasibility and safety of its concept design, marking an important milestone toward the development of next-generation nuclear-powered commercial ships.

“This achievement demonstrates international recognition of KRISO’s technological capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of nuclear-powered shipping, supporting the transition toward low-carbon maritime transport,” it said. 

Building on this milestone, KRISO will continue advancing basic and detailed ship design, paving the way for future demonstration and commercialisation of SMR-powered vessels. 

Through continued R&D and international collaboration, KRISO remains committed to strengthening next-generation maritime technologies and contributing to the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion in the maritime industry.

 

Photo credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering
Published: 21 July, 2026

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