Eastaway Ship Management advances decarbonisation efforts with methanol ships, aiming to set industry standards despite IMO delays.
Eastaway Ship Management, part of X-Press Feeders, is pressing ahead with decarbonisation despite delays in adopting the IMO Net-Zero Framework, reports London's Riviera Maritime Media.
Managing Director Rajneesh Rana stated that the Singapore-based company aims to be a 'guiding light' in the industry, not only meeting regulations but also investing in alternative fuels and efficiency technologies.
Eastaway manages a global fleet of containerships ranging from 950 to 7,000 TEU and has added 14 dual-fuel vessels. Mr. Rana noted that X-Press Feeders was the first container feeder operator to adopt methanol as a fuel.
The company is evaluating hull coatings, propellers, propulsion systems, and bow modifications to cut fuel use. Increased digitalisation is also seen as a way to optimise routing and speed decisions.
Crew training is central to the strategy. Mr. Rana emphasized that seafarers are 'at the heart of operations' and receive simulator, virtual reality, and augmented reality training for methanol bunkering and dual-fuel engines.
Eastaway partners with training providers and has achieved a retention rate above 90 percent. Mr. Rana stated that irrespective of IMO timelines, the company will continue investing in new ships and operations to reduce emissions.
Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has signed a shipbuilding contract with Mazagon Dock for the construction of a methanol dual-fuel platform supply vessel (PSV).
The 3,000-dwt vessel will be capable of operating on green methanol and will feature diesel-electric machinery. It will be the first vessel in SCI's fleet to operate on methanol.
The Indian company stated that ordering a methanol-capable PSV is 'a key step towards green shipping.'
The PSV will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping.
'With this contract, SCI has exhibited its strong commitment to encourage and bolster the growth of Indian shipbuilding,' said SCI.
In doing so, the company stated, it is 'contributing to the domestic shipbuilding ecosystem,' in line with the government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047, long-term roadmaps established by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to transform India into a global maritime leader.
SCI operates several offshore support vessels, providing a range of services to the Indian offshore sector. It owns anchor-handling tug/supply vessels, PSVs, and multipurpose vessels.
