How Sustainable Marine Chemical SailBlue® AUS40 Supports Shipping
As the shipping industry increases in scale, servicing essential markets like trade, culture and transportation, so does its impact on the environment. To combat this, improved technologies and sustainable practices are being adopted by shipping companies to encourage emission reduction and environmental participation.
One innovative solution that supports these objectives and offers major environmental advantages while bolstering the future of marine shipping is SailBlue® AUS40. SailBlue® AUS40 is a 40% urea high-purity solution, supported by the American Petroleum Institute and made with superior raw materials. This article will explore the importance of sustainability to the shipping industry and how SailBlue® AUS40 contributes to a future comprehensive solution.
Sustainability and the Future of Marine Chemicals
A crucial element of improving sustainability in shipping is the choice of marine chemicals used. International shipping can contribute to a host of environmental problems like air and water pollution, carbon emissions and marine ecosystem degradation. To improve the long-term health of the ocean, marine chemicals need to be able to reduce pollutants and increase sustainability. The decision to improve the sustainability of marine chemicals used can also provide major economic benefits for shipping companies. Advanced lubricants and coatings can enhance shipping efficiency, simultaneously reducing emissions and operating costs.
Marine chemicals, such as those used for emissions control, can play a critical role in reducing the release of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) from ship exhausts. These chemicals help vessels comply with international emission standards. Following the One Ocean Summit 2022 in Brest, significant commitments have been made regarding safeguarding the world’s seas. This includes stringent sulfur and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission regulations across global regions. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III and Tier IV regulations have been implemented to limit emissions, reduce air pollution, and contribute to cleaner healthier environments, both at sea and on land. Air pollution from shipping is a critical issue for coastal regions in Europe, with nearly 70% of ship emissions occurring within 400 km of coastlines. These emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx), can travel hundreds of kilometers, degrading air quality and forming secondary pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This contributes significantly to premature deaths worldwide.
Environmental Benefits of SailBlue® AUS40
SailBlue® AUS40 plays a crucial role in significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, enabling the industry to adhere to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier III emission standards. By curbing the release of these harmful pollutants, SailBlue® AUS40 contributes to cleaner air and the preservation of healthier marine ecosystems. Its use as a marine chemical for emissions control ensures the shipping industry is aligned with the best environmental practices.
SailBlue® AUS40 is used in a system called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). First, the solution is injected into the exhaust stream of the diesel engine. When it enters the hot exhaust gases, the urea breaks down into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Next, the ammonia reacts with the NOx in the exhaust gases on the surface of the SCR catalyst. This reaction converts the NOx into harmless nitrogen and water.
Beyond improving air quality, SailBlue® AUS40’s impact extends to ocean health. Lessening air pollution indirectly benefits marine life and habitats, which can be negatively affected by atmospheric pollutants settling into the water. Vessels equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology and SailBlue® AUS40 can achieve enhanced fuel efficiency. The enhanced fuel efficiency (up to 5%) is a byproduct of the important reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at a wider level. SailBlue® AUS40 ensures ships comply with international standards and regulations set by the IMO and local regulatory bodies. This compliance helps vessels stay current with existing and future emission control requirements, promoting responsible and sustainable shipping practices.
The Road Ahead
Future-proofing shipping is becoming increasingly critical to shipowners and operators, and SailBlue® AUS40’s ability to remove up to 95% of N0x emissions while enhancing fuel efficiency means that shipowners and operators can position themselves in the most eco-friendly way possible.