ENERGY EFFICIENCY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Shipping is the most efficient means of cargo transportation. However, in abso­lute terms, greenhouse gas (GHG) emis­sions from global shipping are signifi­cant and are rising due to the increase in global trading of goods. Greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4) – trap the infrared radiation re­leased by the earth’s surface and keep the planet warmer at a temperature of 33°C (91°F). The increase in CO2 from human-induced activities is widely ac­cepted to increase the earth’s tempera­ture. CH4 has approximately 21 times the global warming potential of CO2.

The main sources of GHGs created by Capital arise from fuel combustion and tank venting (98% from combustion and 2% from tank venting).

Capital’s strategic objective is to preserve its industry-leading position on climate change by combining energy efficiency improvements in current operations with investments in research and technology to reduce the carbon footprint of new vessels. Capital holds a leading position in the industry debate on regulatory frameworks for carbon emissions. In 2009, Capital developed a plan that commits the business to reduce GHG emissions by 30% on a 2009 baseline over an 11-year period until 2020.

Energy efficiency measures onboard and ashore

We apply a series of technical and operational improvements both onboard our vessels and at shore, to improve our energy performance and reduce our environmental footprint.

Ashore

  • Replacement of conventional bulbs with corresponding LED bulbs
  • Use of energy efficient equipment
  • Installation of photocells and motion sensors in all facilities
  • Use of recyclable materials
  • Installation of Electric Vehicle charging stations
  • Recycling of office supplies (e.g. paper, batteries)

Onboard

  • Optimal Voyage Planning & Weather Routing
  • Monitoring of main engine & diesel generator Performance
  • Monitoring of speed & daily fuel consumption
  • Speed reduction / slow steaming
  • Operation & Maintenance of all Machinery as per Makers’ Recommendations
  • Software implementation for performance improvement
  • Trim Optimization
  • Propeller Polishing
  • Installation of scrubbers & ballast water systems
  • Air-sealed vessels modification for prevention of oil spills
  • Monitoring & hull cleaning diagnosis
  • Use of Fuel Additives
  • Monitoring of Electric Loads
  • Participation in R&D programs for alternative fuels (ammonia)
  • Use of energy saving devices that enhance propulsion efficiency.
  • Use of new technology led lighting systems.
  • Use of VDF for sea water pumps and engine room fans.
  • High efficiency coatings.
  • R&D projects Biofuels, LNG-as-fuel.
  • Use of SCR to reduce NOx.
  • Implementing IHM maintenance procedures.

Voyage Management

Capital has sought to further improve its energy efficiency through active voyage management: weather routing and speed optimization, and using long-range weather forecasting to plot course and speed.

Since 2010, Capital implements the concept of ‘Virtual Arrival’, which is led by OCIMF and Intertanko. The concept involves using an accredited independent third party to verify the savings resulting from slowing down ships, then splits the benefits between the ship own­er and the cargo owner. The benefits include both bunker and emissions savings. Addition­ally, a number of Energy Efficiency Measures such as voyage planning, propeller polishing and hull cleaning, monitoring of M/E and D/G performance, are only some of the main axes for Energy Efficiency.

  • UKAS AND ISO-9001 ISO-14001 ISO-45001 ISO-50001
  • Intertanko
  • Rina
  • Helmepa
  • Tanker Company of the Year
  • Amver
  • Green Flag 2018
  • Excellence Award - GREEN4SEA
  • Sea Transport Awards 2015 - Best Vessel Operator Europe
  • BIMCO
  • GREEK SHIPPING AWARDS 2021 - THE SAFETY AWARD