NEW containerships built in 2013 were are 10 per cent less fuel-efficient than those built in 1990, according to a new study, commissioned by two Brussels-based state-funded eco lobbies, Seas at Risk and Transport & Environment.
These findings contradict ever press release from every announcement of every launch of every new ship, which invariably extols the virtues of new unit's improved fuel efficiency.
Denying industry claims are the two state funded NGOs, which say their study also shows that containerships built 30 years ago already, on average, beat the so-called "Energy Efficiency Design Index" standard that the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has set for new ships built in 2020.
This study of the historical development of the design efficiency of new ships finds that bulk carriers, tankers, and containerships built in 2013 were on average eight per cent less fuel efficient than those built in 1990, a quarter of a century ago.
Reporting this, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) newsletter said these findings contradict claims that shipping has been constantly improving its environmental performance.
Oil prices in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the time when new ships were historically most fuel efficient, were around a quarter of the levels seen in the 2008-2013 period (ca. $25 vs $100 per barrel, in today's prices).
However, this is only half the story, as ships have increased in size which reduces the CO2 emissions per container shipped.
The IMO will review the stringency levels of its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) - the efficiency standards for new ships - during a meeting of its Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) in London from May 11-15.
CONTAINER
24 April 2015 - 21:42
Eco lobbies claim new box ships are less fuel-efficient than old ones
NEW containerships built in 2013 were are 10 per cent less fuel-efficient than those built in 1990, according to a new study, commissioned by two Brussels-based state-funded eco lobbies, Seas at Risk and Transport & Environment.
CONTAINER
24 April 2015 - 21:42
Eco lobbies claim new box ships are less fuel-efficient than old ones
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