Towards Zero Emission: climate, environment and underwater noise

Eliminating harmful emissions and reducing underwater noise is important. It mitigates the effects of global climate change, improves public health, and preserves biodiversity. In addition, stimulating innovations around zero-emission technologies also benefits the economy, because the demand for zero-emission ships will increase.

Global shipping is responsible for 3% of global CO₂ emissions. At the same time, 90% of all goods are transported by sea. According to the OECD, maritime trade volumes will triple by 2050 as demand for global freight increases, and with it greenhouse gas emissions.

 

That is why we urgently need to reduce emissions in shipping. To this end, the TKI Maritime stimulates research into and development of new fuels and propulsion systems. Think, for example, of sailing on hydrogen, ammonia or methanol. Carbon capture and hydrofoil technology can also provide solutions and require further development.

 

This sub-programme has the following intended results:

 

  1. Solutions for reducing ship resistance and improving propulsion by combining an optimal hydrodynamic ship design with one or more of the following techniques: 1) hull coating, 2) flow tubes and fins, 3) innovative propeller-rudder solutions, 4) air lubrication and 5) hydrofoil technology;
  2. Methods to reduce noise emissions to water by optimizing ship propulsion and applying damping measures.
  3. Feasibility and timeline of possibilities for small-scale modular maritime applications of nuclear energy by building knowledge within international consortia in which promising and safe systems are investigated.
  4. Proven solutions for auxiliary wind propulsion of ships that are suitable for upscaling and controlled using Artificial Intelligence techniques.
  5. Techniques for energy management on board ships including solutions for energy recovery by demonstrating, testing and demonstrating efficiency gains.
  6. Feasibility of maritime application of e-fuels in addition to the research into methanol and hydrogen, which are developed and demonstrated in the Maritime Masterplan.

 

Maritime Master Plan

The Maritime Masterplan is an ambitious plan that focuses on the joint development and construction of climate-neutral ships. By investing now, the Netherlands can bridge the gap between research and large-scale production. The plan focuses on the construction of 30-40 demonstration ships to stimulate the transition to sustainable shipping both nationally and internationally.

 

This initiative not only strengthens the safety and autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe, but also promotes a future-proof maritime industry.