Shipping Industry Faces Technology Dilemma
The shipping industry is grappling with a significant challenge: navigating the complexities of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Martijn Bergink, president of Alfa Laval’s marine division, highlights the difficulty in deciding which technologies and fuels to invest in amid rapidly evolving options and rising costs. As shipowners strive to decarbonize while maintaining profitability, the path forward remains uncertain, requiring a delicate balance between immediate operational needs and long-term sustainability goals.
Investing in Sustainable Solutions
Shipowners are increasingly focusing on investments that not only ensure compliance with regulations but also enhance operational efficiency. Bergink notes that the industry is exploring a variety of innovative solutions, including air lubrication systems, waste heat recovery technologies, anti-fouling measures, and predictive digital tools. There is also a notable shift towards multi-fuel readiness, allowing operators to adapt to various energy sources as they emerge. This adaptability is crucial in an environment where the future of fuel remains unpredictable.
Alfa Laval is at the forefront of this technological evolution. Once primarily recognized as a hardware provider, the company has transformed into a solutions partner that integrates equipment expertise with advanced digital capabilities. A pivotal moment in this transition was the 2021 acquisition of StormGeo, which introduced powerful analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to its offerings. Bergink emphasizes that AI is now integral to enhancing customer performance, efficiency, and compliance. For example, StormGeo’s Voyage Intelligence platform leverages predictive analytics and machine learning to create adaptive voyage plans that surpass traditional weather routing methods. “The real benefit comes from blending AI’s speed and accuracy with human expertise,” he explains.
Kumiai Navigation to retrofit LPG tanker with Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system
As the industry begins to recognize the potential of digitalization, Bergink stresses that successful technology implementation goes beyond financial investment. It requires structured learning and feedback mechanisms to ensure systems evolve alongside real-world operations. To support this, Alfa Laval is enhancing its remote service capabilities through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, providing real-time expert assistance to crews at sea.
Future Innovations on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Bergink identifies wind propulsion as a significant milestone for the year. Through a joint venture with Wallenius, Alfa Laval has introduced the Wing 560, with its first installation scheduled for early 2026. He describes this development as a breakthrough in wind-assisted propulsion, which can be integrated with other zero-emission technologies, marking a step forward in the industry’s sustainability efforts.
In addition to wind propulsion, Alfa Laval is committed to advancing its fuel-flexible systems and energy efficiency technologies. This includes ammonia-ready boilers, innovative fuel systems, advanced heat exchangers, and effective tank management tools. “We’re helping customers navigate the energy transition with confidence,” Bergink asserts, underscoring the company’s dedication to supporting the shipping industry through its ongoing transformation towards sustainability.
