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Environmental Protection Engineering: Accuracy needed for hard talk on ship emissions

‘Owners need precision from the solutions they use to enhance ship efficiency, because hard evidence is essential to prove that the value-add to ship performance deserves fair recognition,” says John Korovesis.

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John Korovesis, EPE (Environmental Protection Engineering: Accuracy needed for hard talk on ship emissions )

In a shipping industry full of bright ideas on decarbonisation, measuring energy efficiency accurately may yet prove key to changing the investment dynamic between owners and charterers, a marine technology group shares with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times:

Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE) Commercial Director, John Korovesis, said that owner preoccupations with the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the IMO Carbon Intensity Index increasingly focus on the endgame of how ship efficiency investments will stack up against future charterer behaviours.

Even the most painstaking attention to regulatory targets on decarbonisation can be frustrated when the rules themselves are in flux, and the frameworks and reporting criteria owners work within are subject to change, Korovesis observed. 

“EPE has been especially active in the field of decarbonisation for the last three years, and our priority going forward is to establish new partnerships and expand our product portfolio with new additions to help the shipping community meet the challenges of green transition.

“Owners need precision from the solutions they use to enhance ship efficiency, because hard evidence is essential to prove that the value-add to ship performance deserves fair recognition,” explained Korovesis, who has a 30-year track record at EPE. He has been integral to transforming a company with roots in making equipment for MARPOL compliance into a global supplier of leading-edge sustainable ship technologies.

“Recently we’ve seen the CII drive especially strong demand for shaft power metering, to monitor data from shafts, thrusters and generators on a continuous basis. Owners also tell us that they now factor the accurate fuel consumption figures they get from EPE AMIO Coriolis Flow Meters directly into voyage planning for CII.” 

As a company offering a comprehensive new range of decarbonisation solutions, is also an affiliate to Metis, which specialises in ‘telemetry-first’ fleet performance management and is playing a key role in helping it to deliver transparency to owners on vessel performance. Metis Ship Connect enables automated data acquisition as a service to evaluate the impact of energy saving measures, and present outcomes in digestible formats, said Korovesis. 

“When we propose NaviPULSE VFD (variable frequency drive) technology to optimise the performance of the auxiliary motors used in fans or cooling systems, owners want accurate data to show how gains add up to significant energy savings overall, and the way advantages accumulated with less maintenance, fewer spares and longer motor life. An owner investigating options on antifouling and impacts for the propeller or considering the cumulative impact of installing lower energy LED lighting also wants evidence not promises.” 

Korovesis stressed that EPE associated company ERMA First Group ensures precision in measuring the impact of its own diversified portfolio of decarbonisation solutions – to which EPE also offers a gateway. ERMA FIRST’s FLEXCAP propeller upgrade option is “making a strong impression as a value for money option where owners are working through the consequences of the EU ETS,” he said. 

The ERMA FIRST FLEXCAP draws on the boss cap fin principle, absorbing rotating water force to weaken the hub vortex and reducing torque so more energy can be channelled back as thrust. Korovesis indicated orders have been placed to equip 40 ships with FLEXCAP, based on its proven ability to make fuel savings of 2-5%.

Other solutions include ERMA FIRST FLEXRING and FLEXFINS. The first is a duct that guides flow towards the propeller and improves propulsive efficiency by 3-7%. A further 1-3% efficiency can be recovered by installing FLEXFINS, a set of hull fins which guide flow around the hull and direct better flow to the propeller. 

Measuring impact with this kind of accuracy will be vital if charterers are to start considering that their stake holding in maritime decarbonisation extends to investing in ship systems and technologies. 

For EPE, it is also integral to its strategy to offer a single source service, with experts helping owners to evaluate available technologies to improve their ships efficiency index (EEXI), reduce fuel consumption and save CO2, and the service network to support installation, maintenance and troubleshooting. 

“Ultimately, it is our job to help shipowners consider their options on investing in making ships greener, on improving performance and whether a specific ship is a candidate to meet tightening regulations covering carbon intensity. Where long-term charters are concerned, we are also showing that technology investments offer cumulative gains to improve CII performance, so that charterers are increasingly part of the conversation.”

 

Photo credit: Environmental Protection Engineering
Published: 28 October 2024

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations.

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July 20, 2026

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Genevos and Koedood Marine Group team up on maritime hydrogen fuel cell deployment

Marine fuel cell systems provider Genevos recently said the company signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with engine supplier Koedood Marine Group to explore the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport. 

The LOI was signed by Phil Sharp, co-founder and CTO of Genevos, and Mühlheim, Business Development Director of Koedood Marine Group during the 2026 Advanced Maritime Technology Show in Amsterdam.

Building on Koedood’s proven experience in hydrogen maritime projects – including its ongoing work with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TNO on hydrogen engine development – the collaboration will explore how ready-to-use marine fuel cell systems can support shipowners and shipyards in the transition towards zero-emission operations. 

“Koedood has a strong reputation in the maritime sector and a deep understanding of vessel operators’ needs. This LOI is an important step in exploring how Genevos’ hydrogen fuel cell systems can be deployed more widely across inland and maritime applications, helping shipowners reduce onboard emissions with robust, practical and scalable clean power solutions,” said Sharp.

The collaboration aligns with growing market demand for rapidly deployable hydrogen solutions and the wider need to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime sector. 

“With this collaboration, we are further strengthening our portfolio of maritime energy solutions. Together with Genevos, we are exploring how we can support our customers in the adoption of hydrogen technology,” said Mühlheim.

 

Photo credit: Genevos
Published: 20 July, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

System actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce bunker fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties.
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July 17, 2026

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DNV awards TADC to Econowind for VentoFoil 3-Series

Dutch wind-assisted propulsion technology firm Econowind on Wednesday (15 July) said it has received a Type Approval Design Certificate (TADC) from classification society DNV for its VentoFoil 3-Series boundary layer suction wing. 

The company said the certification confirms compliance with DNV’s ST-0511 standard for Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems and enables easier integration of VentoFoils on DNV-classed vessels worldwide. 

Econowind added that the approval accelerates the deployment of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

“DNV is one of the world’s leading classification societies. This TADC gives DNV-classed shipowners confidence that VentoFoils meet the highest industry standards,” said Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. 

“It simplifies the approval process for both retrofits and newbuilds. VentoFoils are ideal for late-stage design integration and retrofit projects. This is an important milestone for Econowind and for the wider adoption of wind-assisted ship propulsion.”

The 3-Series VentoFoil is Econowind’s best-selling suction wing to date, with over 150 units sold. The system actively harnesses wind power to generate forward thrust, helping to reduce fuel consumption and mitigate FuelEU penalties. The system includes a tilting foundation, allowing the wings to be tilted down during port operations or in adverse weather conditions, making it a flexible solution.

The TADC applies to the 16-meter VentoFoil 3-Series product design and supports easy integration into DNV-classed vessels without repeating the full design assessment process. This enables shipowners, shipyards, and project teams to move more efficiently from concept to installation, reducing project complexity and accelerating deployment. 

Hasso Hoffmeister, Senior Principal Engineer at DNV Maritime, said: “It is a great pleasure to award Econowind this new certificate. WAPS have been going from strength to strength over the past few years, from 2022 the number of vessels in operation has increased five times, and we’ve now topped the century mark. 

“And with the current advances in technology, materials, and production capacity in the segment, we expect this to accelerate. So, while the wind always changes, the shipping industry is likely to be sailing strong for years to come.”

Econowind expects the DNV Type Approval Design Certificate to accelerate adoption of the VentoFoil, particularly among shipowners seeking proven, independently certified technology that can support fuel savings, emissions reductions, and decarbonization goals.

MS Heinz of HS Schiffahrt is among the first vessels to sail under this TADC.The company said the approval builds on Econowind’s growing installed base and further strengthens confidence in wind-assisted ship propulsion as a practical solution to address energy scarcity and high fuel prices. 

In addition to the 3-Series, Econowind offers the 5-Series for the deep-sea market.

 

Photo credit: Econowind
Published: 17 July, 2026

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Malaysia: Maharani Freeport to implement MFM and e-BDN technologies for enhanced bunkering transparency

Initiatives reflect the Freeport’s commitment to delivering transparency, operational integrity and international best practices across its bunkering ecosystem, says MEG spokesperson.
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July 15, 2026

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MEG 1145 cropped MT

Maharani Freeport, a National Project officially launched by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in November 2025, will be introducing mass flowmeter (MFM) and electronic bunker delivery note (e-BDN) technologies to its bunkering operations, learns Manifold Times.

These strategic initiatives underscore the port’s commitment in establishing a highly transparent, efficient and trustworthy bunkering environment, aligned with global best practices and addressing critical industry demands, according to a Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) spokesperson.

MEG is the Master Developer of Maharani Freeport and seeks to position the Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage and trading operations on a global scale. MEG Synergy is the trading division and a wholly owned entity of MEG; it seeks to position Maharani Freeport as a strategic nexus for shipment, storage, and trading operations on a global scale.

As part of its long-term bunkering strategy, the Freeport is currently in the process of acquiring bunker vessels of various sizes to support marine fuel deliveries and accommodate the evolving requirements of regional and international customers. These vessels will be equipped with MFM technology to ensure accurate, transparent and efficient fuel transfer operations.

Including bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) trading operations from its High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) Floating Storage Unit (FSU), MEG Synergy already oversees a healthy volume of Bunker cargo deliveries to regional players each month.

MFM for Trust, Transparency and Traceability

MEG highlighted the custody transfer of bunker fuels at the Freeport will be handled by MFM-equipped bunker tankers.

“The adoption of MFM technology to support bunkering operations is a direct response to persistent industry challenges such as quantity discrepancies and delivery disputes,” explained the spokesperson.

“By equipping our bunker vessels with certified mass flowmeters, we aim to ensure precise and verifiable fuel delivery measurements.

“This initiative is pivotal in fostering trust among customers and strengthening the Freeport’s reputation as a professionally managed zone where businesses can operate with confidence. The overarching goal is to create a secure and well-governed environment for commercial activities, reducing operational risks and uncertainties while supporting efficient and transparent trade.”

e-BDN to Digitalise Documentation Workflow

The implementation of electronic bunker delivery notes (e-BDN), together with MFM technology, further aligns with the Freeport’s focus on creating comprehensive digital custody transfer records and robust data retention systems, added the spokesperson.

This digital approach, integrated with MFM technology, will streamline operational workflows, reduce administrative burdens and provide an immutable record of transactions to enhance transparency, minimising potential friction and expediting dispute resolution

MEG emphasised that the Freeport’s commitment extends beyond technological enhancements to encompass a comprehensive governance framework.

The port aims to adhere to stringent international standards, including those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), while offering dispute resolution mechanisms under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure the swift and fair handling of disagreements.

This holistic approach to operational integrity and governance is designed to address perceived transparency gaps, positioning the Freeport as a reliable and commercially attractive hub for the maritime and commodities sectors.

Note: For enquiries in respect of Maharani Freeport, readers may reach out to:

[email protected]

Related: Interview: Maharani Energy Gateway – Forging a new energy nexus in the Straits of Malacca
Related: New Johor bunkering hub: Maharani debuts as Malaysia’s first duty-exempted energy freeport

 

Photo credit: Maharani Energy Gateway
Published: 15 July 2026

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