Testversion von Blue Visby Solutions zeigt enorme CO2-Einsparungen durch Schiffe, die einfach langsamer fahren

The first trials of the Blue Visby Solution prototype have demonstrated significant CO2 emissions reductions, averaging 17.3% during voyages on two bulk carriers chartered by the CBH Group, a member of the Blue Visby Consortium. These results highlight the potential for massive environmental benefits from simply having ships sail slower and more efficiently.

### What is the Blue Visby Solution?

The Blue Visby Solution tackles a common inefficiency in maritime shipping known as „sail-fast-then-wait.“ Traditionally, ships speed to their destinations only to wait idly outside ports for a berth to become available. This practice leads to unnecessary fuel consumption and increased emissions. The Blue Visby Solution optimizes ship arrival times through coordinated scheduling and real-time information sharing among stakeholders, ensuring ships travel at optimal speeds and arrive just in time for docking.

### Trial Results and Emissions Savings

The trials, conducted in March and April 2024, involved the bulk carriers *Gerdt Oldendorff* and *Begonia* on ballast voyages to CBH Group’s Kwinana Grain Terminal in Australia. The *Gerdt Oldendorff* achieved an impressive 28.2% reduction in CO2 emissions, while the *Begonia* saw a 12.9% reduction, resulting in an average saving of 17.3% at a speed of 14 knots.

These results are consistent with previous studies and simulations. For instance, a 2023 pilot program with ten voyages recorded an average CO2 savings of 18.9%, and a series of hindcast simulations from 284 voyages between November 2021 and August 2023 showed potential CO2 savings averaging 25.6%.

### Broader Implications for the Shipping Industry

The Blue Visby Solution’s ability to significantly reduce emissions without affecting weather routing, voyage planning, or berthing schedules underscores its practicality and efficiency. By minimizing idling time and optimizing travel speeds, the solution reduces fuel consumption and emissions, directly addressing one of the major contributors to the climate crisis: the shipping industry.

Data from these trials and simulations suggest that the Blue Visby Solution could save an average of 23.2% in CO2 emissions across 20,580 voyages worldwide, involving 3,651 panamax vessels in 2022. This level of reduction is crucial as the maritime industry seeks sustainable and effective decarbonization strategies.

### Future Developments

The prototype trials will expand to include a broader group of participants in the coming months, transitioning from the R&D phase to commercial deployment. The positive outcomes of these trials highlight the Blue Visby Solution’s potential as a cornerstone of maritime decarbonization efforts.

“The CBH prototype trials demonstrate that the Blue Visby Solution will be a central element of any successful decarbonization strategy for all maritime stakeholders: shipowners, charterers, traders, cargo interests, terminals, and ports,” stated Haris Zografakis and Pekka Pakkanen, coordinators of the Blue Visby Consortium.

As the commercial deployment of the Blue Visby Solution begins in 2024, the maritime industry stands poised for a transformative shift towards more sustainable practices, significantly mitigating its impact on the global climate crisis.