Maritime 2030 - Navigating the Future of Alternative Fuels and Hybrid Power

On November 1st, Herbert Engineering President, Spencer Schilling, participated in a panel session reviewing future fuel options for ships in 2030, at the SNAME Maritime Convention in Tacoma WA - Panel Session.

Spencer reviewed out the ambitious IMO 2030 and 2050 goals for GHG emissions, and presented some of the positive and negative aspects of some of the potential lower-carbon fuels such as LNG, Methanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen, Biofuels, Synthetic Fuels, and also Battery/Hybrid as well as solar, wind, and carbon capture. It is important not to just consider GHG produced onboard, but to include all the equivalent GHG emissions considering the full ‘well-to-wake’ emissions. Many future fuels have potential to contribute to the GHG reductions for ships, but currently many of these fuels are produced with methods and non-renewable energy generating significant GHG during their production.

 There is no real ‘silver bullet’ for alternative fuels and it is likely that multiple fuel and powering technologies will immerge over the next 10-20 years. Bio-fuels and synthetic fuels would be the least disruptive to current ship technology and ship designs as they do not require any substantial technical innovation for adaptation, but alternative carbon-neutral and low-carbon fuels like Ammonia & Hydrogen have potential for long-haul ships but will require significant development in their shipboard adaptation.

There does not appear to be a clear ‘winner’ between ‘carbon-neutral’ biofuels and near ‘zero-carbon’ fuels like Hydrogen and Ammonia. The economics and world-wide scalability will likely be dominated by non-maritime transport and shoreside power production, since maritime is a fairly minor player in overall world energy demand. Battery, hybrid, solar, and wind all have their niches especially for smaller and short-haul vessels, but all are likely to play a limited and supplemental role in the future long-haul deep-sea transport business.

Future containership designs of a 2000 TEU feeder ship and a 14,000 new-Panamax containership are presented in their current 2020 configurations, as well as in their possible 2030 biofuel and hydrogen fuel cell variations. 

Spencer Schilling presenting at SNAME in November 2019.

LNG World News Article Featuring HEC

LNG World News published an article about us entitled, “Herbert Engineering Corp. Designs LNG-fueled Jumbo Ethylene Carrier “. Click to see the whole article.

Join the HEC Team - Employment Opportunity for Marine Engineer - Annapolis, MD Office

Join the HEC Team – Marine Engineer – Annapolis, MD office

This position requires a good working knowledge of all machinery and mechanical systems on commercial vessels. A full understanding of the demands of the marine and shipboard environment, international equipment and operating standards, and current industry practice is expected. The successful applicant will support vessel owners/operators with designs for new vessels, vessel construction programs, lifecycle maintenance and repair, major and minor modifications, energy efficiency measures, and regulatory approvals. A working knowledge of Naval Architecture would be a benefit as some projects combine elements of Naval Architecture and ship structure with Marine Engineering. It is planned for this position to be located in the HEC Annapolis, MD office.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare designs for new main propulsion and auxiliary machinery systems installations, including appropriate calculations, and obtain regulatory approvals

• Prepare both conceptual and details designs of ballast water treatment and exhaust scrubber systems, including structural modifications and supports

• Prepare designs for both liquid and dry cargo handling systems

• Troubleshoot and solve mechanical system problems that may arise in shipboard machinery or related cargo or cargo systems

• Design repairs and upgrades to existing equipment and systems

• Oversee installation of machinery and mechanical equipment on board ship

• Able to give guidance on the proper operation of machinery and ensure functionality at optimum levels

• Act as consultant and advise clients on the general nature of electrical systems and materials including what alternatives are available

• Perform shipboard energy surveys and make recommendations on improving energy efficiency in equipment and operational procedures

Skills and Capabilities

• Proven experience in the design of new propulsion and mechanical systems and modifications to existing systems

• Experience with trouble shooting existing systems and M&R issues

• Have demonstrated knowledge and experience with energy savings measures, high efficiency components, and operating procedures

• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Rhino and/or other 3D modeling and design tools. Good knowledge of Excel. Pipe flow calculations knowledge also a benefit

• Experience with relevant Class Rules and US and International regulations and codes

• Practical operating and/or Shipyard design office experience a plus

• Working knowledge of marine electrical power generation and distribution systems

• Working knowledge of naval architecture and ship structure design

• Able to work as a member of a group and independently in support of client

requirements

• Have good written and spoken communication skills

• Able to develop projects from concept to completion

• Able to estimate work scope, make budgets and schedules, and manage projects

• Able and willing to travel internationally from time to time

• Able and willing to perform inspections and supervise work on board ships and in

shipyards from time to time. This may involve strenuous activity, proper use of PPE, and

exposure to industrial workplace hazards

• Able to think creatively to solve complex problems

Education and Qualifications

• A PE or Marine Engineer license or equivalent is preferred

• BS Degree in Marine Engineering or closely related Mechanical Engineering specialty

• At least 5 years of related experience, however, someone with 10 or more years of

experience will also be favorably considered. Compensation to suit experience and

capabilities

For additional information or to submit an indication of interest please email Spencer Schilling at

staffopportunities@herbert.com.

Kaimana Hila Christened by Tulsi Gabbard

The second vessel in the Matson Aloha Class, a sister vessel to Daniel K. Inouye,  was recently christened as Kaimana Hila at Philly Shipyard Inc. by United States Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii.  This new ship will soon join its sister in the US West Coast to Hawaii trade.  The Aloha Class ships are the largest containerships ever built in the USA and incorporate a number of “green ship technology” features while providing a quick and efficient service for Matson’s customers. 

Herbert Engineering Corp. has been engaged with Matson in an engineering support role since concept development for the Aloha Class began. We are proud to have helped with contract and detailed design review, specialized engineering analysis, and evaluation of design features. HEC also hosted the site supervision/inspection services through the entire construction process at Philly Shipyard Inc.

Concept Development of Large Cryogenic Liquid Transport of High Value Gases

Herbert Engineering Corp of Alameda, CA has been selected by Agility Gas Technology of Park Ridge NJ to develop a ship design concept that will capitalize on Agility’s novel, less expensive yet safer technology to build large atmospheric-pressure cryogenic-liquid chemical transport ships. Specific designs are under development for very large volume liquid ethylene, ethane and propylene transport.

According to Charles Matar, CEO of Agility, "Our choice to engage HEC was an easy one since HEC has vast experience in Naval Architecture and Engineering including the design of Very Large Liquefied Gas Carriers in support of LNG projects.”

Agility Gas Technology’s unique patented technology promises to significantly improve the efficiency and safety of the transportation of High Value Gases.  “We are very happy to be a part of this project supporting Agility Gas with this design development”, added Spencer Schilling, President of HEC.

HEC provides ship design, engineering analysis, and marine consulting services to shipowners, operators, charterers, shipyards, and government agencies worldwide. Our primary area of expertise is in the conceptual, preliminary, and contract design of commercial vessels. We have extensive experience in newbuildings and conversions of tankers, LNG carriers, containerships, break-bulk carriers, and ro-ro’s