Inland shipping
The vessels which will take part in the trials for the CLINSH project (CLean INland SHipping) have been selected. Their emissions will be closely monitored during the two-year project which is part of the European Union’s LIFE programme.
The vessels are to test various emissions-reducing technologies including the use of alternative fuels. The data gathered will provide valuable information about their environmental performance and the operating costs. The overall purpose of the CLINSH project is to create a fully sustainable inland shipping sector, which entails reducing emissions of hazardous substances such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulates.
The technologies to be tested in this monitoring phase include SCR-DPF (Selective Catalytic Reduction in combination with a Diesel Particulate Filter), Fuel Water Emulsion technology and hybrid power installations. In addition some vessels will be adapted to run on alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas or Gas to Liquid Fuel.
Compared to other modes of transport, the inland waterway transport sector is underdeveloped in reducing emissions and developing clean technology. This is partly because ships and engines are long-lasting. The financial strength for investments in new material or adjustments is often lacking.
The overall purpose of the CLINSH project is to create a fully sustainable inland shipping sector, which entails reducing emissions of hazardous substances such as nitrogen oxides and fine particulates.
The practical trials on the vessels will commence in early 2018 once all the necessary modifications have been made to the craft. Data collected during regular operations will provide useful information for the sector itself and for public sector authorities at all levels: local, regional, national and international. A full list of the vessels taking part in the trials can be seen at http://www.clinsh.eu
It is hoped that the knowledge gained will support new policies intended to reduce harmful emissions. CLINSH will also reveal the economic implications for vessel owners and operators, presenting the business case for sustainability measures.
Participation in CLINSH will provide owners and operators with new knowledge about the various technologies available and the environmental benefits they offer. Improved environmental performance is likely to increase an operator’s market appeal and help to attract new customers. Several large companies have already decided to award contracts to operators who are able to demonstrate their environmental responsibility. Investment in emissions control systems is therefore an investment in long-term business continuity. Moreover, project participants become eligible for a grant towards the cost of modifications which are likely to become mandatory in future. They are acting as pioneers within the sector.
Rik Janssen is a member of the Provincial Executive of Zuid-Holland, which is the lead partner in the CLINSH project. “To remain competitive, the sector must invest in cleaner vessels,” he states. “We need people to lead the way, and we have found them in the operators taking part in the practical trials. The knowledge they develop will allow us to make an important contribution to a cleaner living environment”
Marc Van Peel, President of the Antwerp Port Authority, adds:
“The inland shipping sector carries cargo to and from all parts of the European hinterland and is therefore crucial to the maritime ports. Like all other transport modalities, it must reduce harmful emissions. By taking part in this project, Port of Antwerp wishes to accelerate sustainable transition in close cooperation with the inland shipping.”
Alain Devos, Director of the Flanders Inland Shipping Knowledge Centre (KBV) believes that the strength of the CLINSH project lies in the close collaboration between the partners. “Public sector authorities and research institutes are no longer working in isolation but are actively working together with the sector to achieve long-term sustainability.”
CLINSH (CLean INland SHipping) involves a consortium of 17 partners from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK. Partners include ports, universities and industry associations. Marine South East is one of the consortium partners and the province of Zuid-Holland is the lead coordinator.
CLINSH is being co-funded under the European LIFE fund. More information can be found at http://www.clinsh.eu
