Norwegian shipping company Siem Offshore is collaborating with Finnish technology group Wärtsilä on vessel decarbonization solutions as part of its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its 26-vessel fleet and goal of reaching full carbon neutrality by 2050.
According to Siem, the aim is to achieve a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and this partnership is seen as being key to finding the right technology solutions.
Jon August Houge , ESG Director at Siem Offshore, said that cooperation is essential if the ambitious environmental targets are to be met: “Partnering with key suppliers such as Wärtsilä with the expertise and innovative technologies required are very natural for us. Our existing fleet are in large degree powered by Wärtsilä, and we have for a longer period cooperated on new environmental friendly solutions.”
The goal of the agreement is to identify and implement solutions that will increase energy efficiency and significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Siem’s vessels.
Each vessel will be assessed for appropriate solutions, possible operational improvements and life extension considerations. The company hopes to reach full carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Siem Offshore has a vision to become the leading vessel provider, and as operator of high-end offshore vessels facing strict environmental requirements they really challenge us as a technology provider. We are happy and proud to have been selected as key supplier to collaborate in this decarbonization project,” said Cato Esperø , Head of Sales at Wärtsilä Norway.
“Since no single solution will be relevant to every ship, by working together we intend to find what works best and most efficiently on a case-by-case basis. We see this as a blueprint for achieving the best possible results.”
At the end of 2023, Wärtsilä revealed it would add four new methanol engines to its portfolio which will be available for deliveries at different points from 2025 onwards. The Finnish company has also introduced the marine sector’s first commercially available four-stroke engine-based solution for ammonia fuel.