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Environmental technology and alternative fuels

We deliver feasibility studies, technology qualification and in-depth analysis of the real-life use of compliance solutions.

To comply with stricter environmental regulations and limit costs, ship owners need to evaluate alternatives to traditional fuels and technologies. But which option is best for a ship’s actual operational setting?

As marine and industrial engineers, economists and environmental specialists, we have the deep knowledge across multiple disciplines to offer reliable solutions.

We advise the maritime sector on environmental regulations and compliance options, we measure and benchmark your environmental performance, support you in making the best business decisions on environmental technology, and help turn environmental performance into a marketing advantage.

Our services in environmental technology and alternative fuels include:

  • Fuel strategy decision support - Financial, technical and regulatory evaluations of fuel and emission abatement alternatives. Based on the experience from hundreds of feasibility studies and independent research work, we can offer well-proven and structured approaches to benchmarking and selection of alternative fuels and technologies for newbuild and existing ships (such as low sulphur fuel oils, LNG, LPG, methanol, biofuels, hydrogen, fuel cell, scrubber, SCR/EGR, battery (hybrid and plug-in configurations), VOC management, ballast water): 
    • Technical feasibility study with energy/fuel storage requirements, suitable tank locations and engines etc. based on client’s operational profile
    • Financial benchmarking including CAPEX and OPEX estimates and fuel price scenarios
  • GHG strategy support
    • GHG services 
      The DNV service ‘GHG portfolio manager’ support ship-owners and maritime stakeholders in assessing and managing future business risks related ships GHG emissions. The business risks relates the expected major shifts in technologies and energy supply driven by de-carbonization, which will most likely have a significant impact on a vessel’s earning capacity and asset value. An adequate handling of this risk is needed to ensure robust business performance over time. 
    • The Carbon Robustness framework
      Moving forward the uncertainty facing the industry seem only to increase, with potential for big shifts. It is not clear which fuels and technologies will win in the short or long term. How to choose a robust design for ships ordered today? To help navigate this future, and manage the uncertainty, DNV has developed the Carbon Robustness framework to assist ship-owners in “future proofing” their vessels to secure long-term competitiveness and profitability. The framework test competitiveness for individual designs under different scenarios – considering: Fuel & technology, Regulations, and Risk related to market. The main idea is to assess the competitiveness of your designs, against a fleet of competing ships in the short or long term perspective. For more details, visit our Energy Transition Outlook site which contains our Maritime Forecast to 2050. 
  • Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform
    DNV’s new AFI platform (https://afi.dnv.com) offers a comprehensive and continually updated overview of alternative fuel projects, bunkering infrastructure, suppliers, and technologies. Initial focus is on LNG bunkering infrastructure and uptake of LNG, scrubbers and batteries on ships, but other fuels are also covered to some extent. The platform consolidates a wealth of detailed technical information on these fuels and technologies, and both content and features will be further improved and expanded over time. With most of the information free to access, the AFI platform is a valuable resource for anyone in the maritime industry needing to research and keep up to date in this rapidly moving sector.
  • Scrubbers – we provide a wide range of technical and commercial services related to scrubbers for newbuildings and retrofits
  • Technology qualification – determination of whether a solution is fit for its given purpose
  • Emission analyses and assessments – tailor-made studies on fuels, technologies, regulations, emissions and environmental accounting, policy instruments and activity-based ship data (AIS)

We have been a designated technical advisor for the Norwegian NOx Fund since 2008. The NOx-Fund is an incentive arrangement that provides financial support for investments in emission abatement technology.

DNV has been initiator of Green Shipping Programme, a partnership programme between government and industry aiming at creating the world’s most effective and environmentally-friendly fleet of coastal vessels.

Ship Recycling - We have been working with recycling issues for vessels, including inventory of hazardous materials, since late 1990s. Since 2016 we have been a designated advisor for European Commission DG Environment on supporting activities on ship recycling. We support shipowners in making informed decisions when selecting a recycling yard.

Choose DNV to support you in profiting from greener shipping:

  • Make smart investments to comply with upcoming environmental regulations
  • Profit from technology that is well adapted to your vessel’s operational setting
  • Gain confidence through our support and our expertise – so you can focus on your core business
  • Strengthen your brand through greater efficiency with a smaller environmental footprint
  • Benefit from an independent, third-party opinion

Get more information on environmental services and alternative fuels

  GHG Portfolio manager

GHG Portfolio manager

Assessing and managing GHG risks for ships and fleets

  Selecting a recycling yard

Selecting a recycling yard

Download our guidance paper