The future of Ocean Energy and Shipping


transfer of competences from one sector to another. It may be possible to see shipping companies deciding to take care of their energy production and distribution locally or renewable energy companies operating fleets of vessels to offer zero-emission transport as a service. The ones starting first will probably benefit the most from a transition they will handle in the most controlled way.


New competences will have to be involved in the design, construction and operations of ships as well. The integration of system engineering and power management with naval architecture and hydrodynamics will be a key asset for the future.”


Olaf, what are your thoughts here - what solutions will help the maritime sector achieve the energy transition?


“This is a big question. I also believe that the most important thing is to bring people together to make real steps. There are a lot of different views about the pace of the energy


transition and there is no ‘magic bullet’ solution. MARIN’s role is to bring people together and to inspire them to consider a wider perspective. Whatever happens next, I am certain that a lot of the future of energy production will happen at sea.


I believe we also have to relate to the present-day reality and there are a lot of stakeholders in this transition. Letting go of old concepts will give room for new opportunities, but it will take time. Truly understanding each other’s perspectives is the starting point!”


Olaf, could you mention one example of such a conceptual idea to inspire people?


“If I can propose just one conceptual idea it would be a floating island, where we can combine energy production with other activities such as a floating port. In the Netherlands there is an ongoing discussion if it would be possible to move Schiphol Airport


to an island at sea. It would also be interesting to investigate if you could develop synthetic fuels for airplanes and ships based on offshore renewables. We are actually conducting an initial research JIP for a partly floating energy island in the North Sea. I am convinced that this type of large-scale innovation could benefit the offshore and maritime industry in the longer term.”


And a final very tough question Guilhem, what do you see as a realistic timeframe to achieve 100% zero-emission shipping?


“I am not sure if we can answer that question. We will never go fast enough as we have started too late and the main objective today is to accelerate introducing alternative sustainable solutions. The success of this will require a subtle balance between industrial courage, responsible financing and supporting governance. Our children will be able to judge if we were fast enough or not!”


12 report


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20