Shine Consultant, the organiser of Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025, on Thursday (20 March) announced over 20 speakers have been confirmed for the event to discuss key green technology topics related to the shipping industry.

The speakers are key stakeholders in the shipping industry including transportation management departments, international shipping organisations and related industry associations, shipping companies, shipyards, repair yards, third-party ship management companies, ship equipment suppliers, high-tech solution providers, design research units, and research institutions.

With over 300 attendees expected to attend, the Green ShipTech Innovation Asia Summit 2025 will be held in Shanghai, China, on 16 May. 

Themed Diversified Innovation for Sustainable Green Transformation, the summit will set up a main forum called Green Development Strategies and Pioneer Practices Towards Zero Carbon Goals and two sub-forums, Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting Forum and Green Shipping Ecosystem Cooperation Forum. 

It will focus on key topics such as innovative design methods for green ship types, development and design of methanol dual-fuel ship types, prospects and challenges of ammonia fuel application, and new marine fuels and supply systems. 

Speakers for the summit include:

• Sun Haihua, Deputy Director of Shanghai Arbitration Commission, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization
• Yan Wei, Vice President, Shanghai Maritime University
• Bo Cerup-Simonsen, CEO, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
• Lu Yanhui, Vice President, COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd
• Wu Jianyi, Chief Engineer & General Manager of the Ship Technology Center, China Merchants Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. (CMES)
• Karim Fahssis, Decarbonization China Head, Maersk
• Liu Jianfeng, Chief Technologist, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., LTD.
• Keiichiro Nakanishi, Managing Executive Officer, MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.)
• Vivi Wong, Head of Digital Products, Greater China, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
• Li Zhonggang, Vice President, China Ship Design & Research Center Com.,Ltd. (CSDC)
• Zhang Qingsheng, General Manager of Shanghai Fujian Guohang Ocean Shipping Management Co., Ltd., President Assistant of Fujian Guohang Ocean Shipping (Group) Co.,Ltd.
• Bai Junli, Deputy Director of Innovation & Development Center, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co., LTD.
• Tan Wee Meng, Chief Projects Officer, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
• John Kollander, General Manager Stena RoRo Asia & Owners Representative China, Stena RoRo
• Thibaut Raeis, Business & Technical Solutions Director, GTT China
• Li Zhengjian, Chief Expert/Senior Engineer, the Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
• Yuan Chao, General Manager of Strategy and Investment, CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company Limited
• Pan Jinfeng, General Manager of Digital Intelligence Promotion Department, COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore Co., Ltd
• Zhu Feng, Head of the Ballast Water Convention Research Office, Hebei Maritime Safety Administration
• Gou Yingdi, Director of Sustainable Development and General Manager of the Technology and Development (Innovation) Center, Seacon Shipping Group
• Yang Lixin, Deputy Secretary-General, Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization
• Zhao Cuiyun, Deputy Director of the Institute for the Construction of the Shipping Center and Director of the Green Shipping Research Office, Shanghai International Shipping Institute

Conference Framework

16 May (am)

Sub-Forum I: Green Development Strategies and Pioneer Practices Towards Zero Carbon Goals

16 May (pm)

Sub-Forum II: Green Shipbuilding and Retrofitting Forum
Sub-Forum III: Green Shipping Ecosystem Cooperation Forum

Key Topics

• Maritime regulatory focus under policy guidance towards zero-carbon goals
• Global green ship type product key technologies and applications
• Analysis of paths to improve the efficiency of existing ships
• How shipping companies can achieve sustainable green transformation
• Green ship technology practices and future prospects
• Innovative design methods for green ship types
• Development and design of methanol dual-fuel ship types
• Innovation and application of ship engines and propulsion systems
• Technological application and outlook of wind energy as auxiliary power for ships
• Prospects and challenges of ammonia fuel application
• Innovation in new marine fuels and supply systems
• Upgrading of ship battery systems to meet shipping emission reduction
• Fluid power energy-saving technology and practice to promote the green and low-carbon development of the shipping industry
• Green ship repair, intelligent painting and VOCs management in ship and marine engineering
• Exploration and practice in digital transformation and intelligent upgrading of the ship repair and modification industry
• Practice of ship energy consumption data analysis and carbon intensity management
• SCR technology innovation for NOx reduction in ship diesel engines
• The latest technological applications of “carbon capture” in the shipping industry
• Ballast water management systems in line with international standards
• Shore power systems combined with green electricity to assist shipping decarbonization
• Supply status and choice analysis of the marine green fuel market

Host:

• Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organization

Co-organisers:

• Shanghai Maritime University 
• Shanghai Institute of Navigation
• Jiangsu Association of Shipbuilding Industry
• Shanghai Association of Shipbuilding Industry
• Jiangsu Society of Naval Architects And Marine Engineers

Supporting Organisations:

• Shanghai Port Association
• Hubei Association of Shipbuilding Industry
• Shanghai International Shipping institute

Organizer:

• Shine Consultant International Ltd

Interested parties may contact:

Yulia Zhang
T: (+8621) 6095 7179
M:(+86) 158 3615 6079 (Also on WeChat）
E-mail: [email protected]  

Note: More information on the summit, including registration, can be found here. 

Photo credit: Shine Consultant
Published: 8 May, 2025

Norway-headquartered Odfjell on Friday (25 April) said its chemical tanker Bow Olympus is about to complete the first near-carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage. 

The vessel is currently crossing the Atlantic powered by a combination of wind-assisted propulsion and a certified sustainable 100% biofuel, sourced from certified sustainable waste materials.

“This milestone voyage proves how existing technologies and fuels can be paired to accelerate deep-sea shipping’s transition to net zero emissions,” the company said. 

Real-time data from the voyage confirmed that this dual propulsion approach is not only technically feasible, but also impactful: The vessel’s GHG emissions on the current voyage meet the 2050 Fuel EU Maritime GHG intensity targets and IMO’s GFI Direct Compliance targets at least until 2044.

As Bow Olympus reached European shores last weekend, it has demonstrated that the dual propulsion solution is a realistic pathway to carbon neutrality for deep-sea shipping, 25 years ahead of time: The voyage showed a full 85% reduction in GHG intensity compared to conventional fuels, without technical investments or upgrades required to consume the fuel. 

In addition, the energy efficiency is improved by 15-20% by the use of sails.

The power of wind-assisted propulsion has been tested through Bow Olympus’ two first cross-Atlantic voyages. The four 22-meter suction sails have been operational under varying weather conditions, with the performance closely monitored by Odfjell’s crew and technology team on board and onshore.

“The results have surpassed our expectations,” confirmed VP Technology Erik Hjortland. 

“Even in good, but not perfect, wind conditions, we observed a 15 to 20% energy-saving effect. That translates to five tonnes of fuel saved per day, equivalent to a reduction of 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day.”

“On certain parts of the current voyage, we have seen up to 40% fuel consumption reductions. These are very promising figures. We are thrilled to note that our initial calculations are confirmed and even exceeded.”

Using a new type of AI-based weather routing system allowed the five-year-old 49,000 dwt vessel to take full advantage of the prevailing wind conditions.

“One surprising finding is that even light wind as high as 15 degrees on the bow generates noticeable effect. This means that we can probably operate the sails more often than anticipated, positively affecting the already healthy return of investment figures. The sails also offer stabilizing and roll-damping effects,” Hjortland added

“Based on current data, we expect that the sails will continue delivering significant fuel savings on future deep-sea voyages in all basins.”

The bunkered biofuel was sourced from certified sustainable waste materials. The certification body is accredited by both IMO and EU.

Having exhausted most conventional upgrades, Odfjell is now focused on next-generation solutions—such as wind propulsion—to meet its 2030 goal of 57% carbon intensity reduction.

To move the needle beyond 57%, a fuel switch is required. Odfjell said it has chosen to remain flexible, keeping all doors open at a time when the marine fuel of the future for shipping remains undecided. 

“The choice of biofuel for this proof-of-concept voyage was done to demonstrate one of the pathways,” it added. 

Photo credit: Odfjell
Published: 28 April, 2025

Finnish wind propulsion systems provider Norsepower on Tuesday (15 April) said it has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with China’s COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Equipment (Nantong) (CHIC) to accelerate the serial production, sales, installation, and service of Norsepower Rotor Sails™ in the region.

The partnership builds on the Norsepower Rotor Sail™ Factory in Dafeng, China, launched in November last year. Norsepower said this is the ‘world’s first’ factory specialising in rotor sail manufacturing, which guarantees the needed capacity in serial production of Norsepower’s products. 

“Combined with this factory and Norsepower’s exclusive production hub in Poland, the new cooperation with CHIC strengthens the company’s ability to meet growing global demand,” the company said in a statement. 

By leveraging CHIC’s extensive resources in shipbuilding and offshore equipment, the collaboration will drive innovation in wind propulsion and further integrate Norsepower Rotor Sails™ into the regional market. The partnership aims to provide shipping companies with practical, cost-effective solutions to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in line with tightening IMO regulations.

Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, said: “This agreement marks a significant step forward in expanding access to wind propulsion solutions in China. By combining Norsepower’s technology leadership with CHIC’s shipbuilding expertise, we are creating a strong foundation for advancing sustainable shipping.”

“We will achieve breakthroughs in both product supply efficiency and application expansion. We look forward to building on this collaboration and exploring further opportunities together.”

Zhang Jianxin, Deputy General Manager of CHIC, said: “We are excited to partner with Norsepower to advance wind propulsion technology. This cooperation will enhance innovation across product design, manufacturing, and business development, ensuring we deliver high-quality, energy-efficient solutions for the shipping industry.”

With increasing regulatory pressure to decarbonise shipping, Norsepower’s partnership with CHIC underscores the growing momentum behind wind propulsion. By combining expertise and resources, both companies are committed to accelerating the adoption of sustainable products and supporting the industry’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Photo credit: Norsepower
Published: 16 April, 2025