We have come a long way in the journey towards truly sustainable shipping – but we also have a long way to go. Here are some milestones for what we have achieved so far.
The wind-powered vessel Oceanbird is tested
In September 2020, Wallenius Marine, KTH and SSPA presented the concept Oceanbird. Powered by wind, Oceanbird release 90 percent less emissions that the most energy efficient vessel today. During 2020, models of Oceanbird were tested with positive results in wave pools and in open water.
Eco-smart infrastructure on the Baltic Sea
Wallenius Lines and the Swedish Orient Line (SOL) formed the company WALLENIUS SOL. With efficient LNG carriers built by Wallenius Marine, WALLENIUS SOL offers an environmentally smart way of transporting goods on the Baltic Sea.
The research project wPCC is started
Wallenius Marine leads the research project wPCC (wind Powered Car-Carrier) where Wallenius Marine, KTH and SSPA together develop a design for wind-powered vessels that will reduce emissions by 90 percent. The project is supported by the Swedish Transport Administration. The design will be completed by the end of 2021 and three years later the wind-powered ships is planned to sail across the Atlantic.
Praised for sustainability work and cleanest ships
Wallenius Marine is awarded the Transport Companies’ Sustainability Award for “focusing on sustainability issues under fierce global competition and with a holistic view “.
The two ECO-class LNG vessels delivered to UECC in 2016 are also being noted for their environmental benefits. They get first and second place in the Bremenport Greenports Award 2018 for being the cleanest ships in one of Europe’s busiest ports.
Saves fishermen
The crew of Fidelio rescues eleven fishermen outside Tunisia. A fishing boat was wrecked in a collision with a large vessel and the fishermen ended up in the water. Fidelio was far from the first ship in place, but was the first to act.
The development of wind-powered vessels begins
As a result of the ZERO project, a more detailed study of wind-powered vessels is initiated.
LNG ship
Wallenius Marine is the project manager for the construction of two RoRo vessels powered by LNG (natural gas) for UECC. The project is followed by several similar assignments for UECC, including hybrid vessels powered by both battery and LNG. LNG carriers emit up to 25 percent less carbon dioxide compared to diesel-powered ships. Sulfur emissions (SOx) are close to zero and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are significantly lower. Other emissions such as heavy metals, particles and soot are also significantly lower.
Rescue operation in the Mediterranean
Aniara rescues 200 refugees in distress in the Mediterranean. After the rescue operation, Wallenius Marine decides that there will be hot water filters, water bottles and crockery for up to 200 people on board all ships.
Anti-corruption
Wallenius Marine becomes a member of MACN, which works against corruption in the shipping industry.
High-efficiency Heroes
Wallenius Marine begins the design of four high-efficiency vessels in the Panamax class in the Hero model (Highly Efficient RoRo). Hero vessels consume 15 percent less fuel compared to the previous generation vessels thanks to innovative ship design and advanced data collection.
Ship recycling
Wallenius Marine is leading the project to recycle seven vessels at a certified recycling yard in China. 98 percent of all material could be recycled. Since then, more vessels that have served well have been given new life in a different form.
Roadmap for emission-free shipping: Project Zero
Wallenius Marine initiates Project ZERO (Zero Emission RoRo) to realize the vision of an emission-free vessel. The project group produces extensive technical data, which will form the basis for future ship generations.
Broadband makes the insulation at sea easier
Wallenius Marine decides that Elektra will be part of a pilot project to test broadband at sea. At the end of the year, Wallenius decided to install broadband on all vessels in the fleet. This means an opportunity for the crew to keep in touch with family and friends.
Chemical-free ballast water system launched
After extensive testing in Wallenius vessels, the sister company Wallenius Water launches the first chemical-free ballast water purification system PureBallast. The system was developed together with Alfa Laval. In 2008, Pure Ballast was approved by the IMO.
Tests with low-sulfur fuel
Wallenius’ experimental tests to run on low-sulfur fuel showed that it was possible to make significant reductions in sulfur emissions.
Quality, safety and environmental certification
Wallenius Lines is awarded as the first shipping company in the world, British Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping’s quality certificates according to ISO 9002 and IMO’s ISM code. Three years later, Wallenius Lines also receives ISO 14001 environmental certification as one of the first shipping companies in the world.