ClassNK’s Vision for Decarbonization Through Clean Energy and Alternative Fuels

As a leading classification society, ClassNK is committed to expanding its services and supporting stakeholders in navigating the complexities of the maritime industry. Robban Assafina had a special interview with Mr. Yoichi Iga, Middle East and South Asia Regional Manager at ClassNK, discussing  the critical need for a global regulatory framework to facilitate the transition to decarbonization in international shipping. He highlights ClassNK's keen interest in expanding its presence in the Middle East, emphasizing the region's potential as a frontrunner in adopting clean energy solutions. Additionally, Mr. Iga elaborates on the "ClassNK Alternative Fuels Insight" initiative, which provides shipowners with essential guidance in monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing ClassNK's dedication to fostering sustainable maritime practices.

What key factors have driven ClassNK’s decision to expand its services under the "Charting the Future" initiative, and how do these align with the current transformations in the maritime sector?

We expect that the role of classification societies will expand along with business transformation in maritime sector. ClassNK is now tackling to expand its services beyond conventional class services with the slogan “Charting the future”. Charting the future together with partners is our biggest challenge.

Classification societies have been contributed to enhancing level of safety, environmental protection, working conditions on board of world maritime industry. Based on this achievement, ClassNK has started to support maritime business transformation by providing advanced certification. As a classification society, we set standards, offer certifications, supporting shipowners through the complexities of maritime challenges. Initiatives like the formation of a safe operation support team and planning services that incorporate new technologies and crew training reflect our dedication to enhancing maritime safety and operations.

How do you evaluate the efforts to decarbonize the maritime industry? What services do you offer in this field?

A global regulatory framework is essential for guiding the transition to decarbonization in international shipping. The establishment of this framework is both vital and urgent. In this context, we urge the member states of the IMO to reach an agreement on the framework as soon as possible. Our analysis of the revised IMO GHG reduction strategy, released last autumn, indicates that the development of a supply capacity for carbon-free fuels is a critical challenge. Significant investments will be necessary in this area.

However, at present, we cannot anticipate a sufficient supply of carbon-free fuel. Therefore, it is imperative that we implement all available measures to reduce GHG emissions over the next decade. These measures may include the use of biofuels (such as bio-methanol and bio-diesel), energy-saving technologies (like wind-assisted propulsion), and carbon capture and storage (CCS). To facilitate the adoption of practical measures for reducing GHG emissions, ClassNK has launched comprehensive transition support services, “ClassNK Transition Support Services”.

What procedures should be followed in the process of adopting alternative fuels, and what contributions does ClassNK make in this regard?

Given the situation that GHG emission regulations are expected to be further tightened in international shipping, introducing alternative fuels is essential. On the other hand, there is a wide range of alternative fuels available for use in ships. When adopting alternative fuels, it is crucial to select the appropriate fuel based on factors such as the ship type, size, and route.

Additionally, when considering the adoption of alternative fuels, it is necessary to understand regulations, trends, alternative fuels themselves and cost. ClassNK provides explanations on these topics in "ClassNK Alternative Fuels Insight" as part of "ClassNK Transition support services", to support fuel selection.

In addition to providing guidance, ClassNK is actively collaborating with industry pioneers to develop alternative fuels. In these joint projects, ClassNK conducts safety assessments and issues credentials to advance initiatives. The outcomes of these collaborations inform the development of guidelines designed to protect ships from potential risks associated with emerging technologies. ClassNK is involved in projects focused on mitigating GHG emissions through such as ammonia fuel, and hydrogen fuel. 

What are the latest activities and recent projects of ClassNK?

As I mentioned in the topic of "Decarbonization in maritime industry", ClassNK has started "ClassNK Transition Support Services", which focus on the three types of GHG emissions reduction measures: Alternative fuels support, Energy efficiency improvement support, Onboard CCS support. This comprehensive approach is designed to meet customer needs while facilitating the adoption of optimal solutions.

To support the adoption of alternative fuels, ClassNK offers a range of services that include monitoring trends, ensuring safety requirements are met, providing assistance for newbuilding ships and retrofits, supporting operational needs and crew training, and facilitating the use of biofuels. Additionally, the organization emphasizes the importance of fuel certification, including the certification of GHG reduction effects and the verification of methane slip actual values.

In terms of energy efficiency improvements, ClassNK estimates the potential effects of such enhancements and supports the introduction of relevant technologies. This proactive stance ensures that ship owners can effectively implement measures that contribute to improved energy performance.For onboard CCS systems, ClassNK addresses trends and safety requirements while also providing certification for the volume of CO2 captured, ensuring compliance and effectiveness in emissions reduction.

As part of efforts to support these services, ClassNK published “ClassNK Alternative Fuel Insight” to offer guidance relating to future fuel selection, with the characteristics of and latest trends in alternative fuels summarized in an easy-to-understand manner. Regardless of these forward-looking measures, ship owners and managers must monitor GHG emissions today, using a suitable management tool. To address this, ClassNK provides tools such as ClassNK ZETA for visualizing and effectively managing GHG emissions.

What are your plans for international expansion, particularly in the Middle East?

We recognize that Middle East’s position as a key energy producer and vital global trade route is unmatched, and it will continue to play an essential role in the future. As decarbonization progresses even in the shipping industry, solar and wind power will become increasingly important, whatever the key energy sources of the future.

The region's abundant sunlight and favorable wind conditions provide a unique advantage for harnessing these renewable energies effectively. The Middle East stands poised to lead in this transition, capitalizing on its geographical and climatic strengths. We position the Middle East as a leader in the global shift toward cleaner energy solutions.

How do you evaluate your business for the year 2024? What are the prospects you aim to work on in the future?

Our most significant project this year is “ClassNK Transition Support Services” as I have already introduced. Supporting our customers’ decarbonization through this service is considered an important step towards transforming the industry. However, there will be an increasing demand for more decarbonization initiatives, such as with the introduction of the FuelEU Maritime regulations set to begin in 2025. ClassNK will continue to develop more comprehensive services for shipowners and other stakeholders, including the knowledge it has gained through its operations.