On 25 June, the Day of the Seafarer is observed worldwide.
Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this day of action honours the achievements of the people who ensure every day that global trade across the world’s oceans continues to function.
At the same time, it draws attention to the future of the maritime industry and therefore to one of the greatest challenges of our time: the decarbonisation of shipping.
The International Maritime Organization has set itself the ambitious goal of making shipping largely climate-neutral by 2050. To achieve this goal, innovative propulsion technologies and alternative fuels are essential. LNG currently plays a central role in this process.
LNG as an Important Step on the Path to Climate Neutrality
Although LNG is not a fully climate-neutral energy source, it is considered an important bridging technology today. Compared with conventional marine fuels, LNG reduces sulphur oxide emissions almost completely and also significantly lowers emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and other air pollutants.
With the introduction of LNG propulsion systems, it became possible for the first time to operate large cruise ships entirely on liquefied natural gas, both at sea and in port. A significant example of this is the “AIDAnova”, which was the first large cruise ship in the world to consistently rely on LNG, thereby setting new standards for more environmentally friendly shipping.
In addition, LNG technology creates important prerequisites for the use of future climate-neutral fuels. Many of the systems and infrastructures used today can, in future, be used for bio-LNG or synthetic e-fuels produced from renewable energy.
Technological Innovation as the Basis for Change
The transition to alternative propulsion systems requires far more than new engines. Due to its low storage temperature of around -162 °C, LNG places special demands on ship design, pipe routing and fastening technology.
On the “AIDAnova”, LNG tanks were integrated directly inside a cruise ship for the first time. The entire infrastructure for transporting, storing and supplying the fuel had to be specifically designed for the particular thermal conditions.
Pipelines and supports not only have to meet the highest safety requirements, but must also reliably absorb temperature-related material movements.
Sikla Shipbuilding & Offshore: Technology for the Maritime Energy Transition
The commissioning of the AIDAnova marked the beginning of a new chapter in the cruise industry. As the world’s first large cruise ship that can be operated entirely on liquefied natural gas (LNG), both at sea and in port, it set new standards for lower-emission shipping and is still regarded as an important milestone on the path to climate-neutral shipping.
The AIDAnova was delivered to AIDA Cruises by Meyer Werft on 12 December 2018 and began regular cruise operations in the Canary Islands just a few days later. With its innovative LNG propulsion system, it demonstrated for the first time that modern cruise ships can be operated in a significantly more environmentally friendly way.
At the same time, it served as a reference vessel for a new generation of cruise ships and paved the way for further LNG-powered newbuilds.
The project also marked an important milestone for Sikla Shipbuilding & Offshore: specially developed fastening solutions for the LNG pipelines enable the safe absorption of thermally induced changes in length, thereby making a decisive contribution to the operational safety of this forward-looking technology.
The energy transition at sea cannot be achieved through new fuels alone. It also requires reliable technical infrastructures that permanently ensure the reliable operation of the systems.
Looking Ahead
LNG is not the ultimate goal of maritime decarbonisation. In the future, technologies such as fuel cells, hydrogen, synthetic fuels and battery-supported propulsion systems will play an increasingly important role.
Nevertheless, developments in recent years clearly show that without the pioneering work in the field of LNG, many of the future solutions currently under discussion would hardly be conceivable.
Day of the Seafarer: Recognising the People Behind Maritime Change
On the Day of the Seafarer, we therefore recognise not only the people on board the ships, but also the engineers, shipyards, suppliers and technology partners who are actively shaping the transformation of the industry.
Sikla Shipbuilding & Offshore supports this journey with innovative fastening solutions for demanding maritime applications, thereby contributing to more sustainable and climate-friendly shipping in the future.