Environment

Investments in technological innovations

Ultrasonic transducers

Our vessels are being equipped with ultrasonic transducers to keep their propellers clean and reduce bunker fuel consumption. These transducers produce ultrasonic sound waves which create resonance vibrations in the propeller blades, protecting the blade surface from biofouling. Ultrasonic transducers are also being used to keep sea chests clean. Annual bunker savings of approximately 1% are expected.

Yara Marine FuelOpt

One of our vessels with a CPP propeller is fitted with the FuelOpt system from Yara Marine. FuelOpt is designed to find the ideal balance between fuel consumption and vessel speed. Operating with a constant shaft power, the crew can avoid unwanted consumption during harsh weather conditions, while reaping the rewards during good weather. Dynamic pitch and RPM regulation of the CPP propeller ensures the greatest amount of thrust with the least consumption of fuel. An annual saving potential of 8% is expected.

Remote auto-logging sensors

As part of our efforts to reduce emissions while ensuring crew and vessel safety, we have installed remote auto-logging sensors to monitor vessel performance. The live data from the auto‑logging sensors enhances performance monitoring, as it improves the data quality over what can be obtained from noon reports, for better evaluation of our vessels’ performance.

Weather routing and voyage prognoses

In addition to the retrofits mentioned thus far, weather routing and voyage optimisation are performed for all our vessels to optimise vessel efficiency. Third-party software is also used by operators and ship staff.

XGIT-Prop coating

The propellers of our vessels are being coated with a graphene-based hard fouling release biocide-free coating that will improve the propulsive efficiency and protect the propellers from biofouling. This coating eliminates chances of discharging any biotoxins, silicon oils or microplastics into the sea, and helps in reducing underwater radiated noise. Annual bunker savings of around 1–2% per annum per vessel are expected.

Zero carbon shipping with ammonia

Ammonia has been identified as one of the leading potential zero emission fuels as it can be produced from renewable electricity and is already produced in large quantities in the Nordic countries. However, ammonia-powered vessels present a number of challenges from the technical, safety, fuel supply and commercial viability fronts – all of which must be overcome before the promise of ships running safely on green ammonia can become a reality.

The Nordic Green Ammonia Powered Ships (NoGAPS) project aims to pave the way for ammonia-powered vessels first in the Nordic region, and globally. Read more about our participation in NoGAPS.

Ecological Impact

BW Epic Kosan recognises the effects caused on the environment by sea transport and shore-based facilities. We comply with MARPOL and all prevailing national and international regulations. Our Marine Assurance department is responsible for ensuring that all operations are in compliance with applicable international standards, laws and regulations. We also conduct training for seafarers to ensure appropriate crew response in the event of a breach to minimise any negative impacts on the environment.

Ballast water management

Ballast water exchange is the process of exchanging the water in the ballast tanks of a vessel with water from the receiving environment. We adhere to stringent guidelines and contribute to the Ballast Water Management Convention to guarantee the proper treatment and management of ballast water. Our operations consistently align with both national and international regulations governing ballast water exchange. Compliance with these regulations is necessary to prevent the transfer of harmful aquatic species and associated diseases from one area to another. These regulations aim to protect the environment, ensuring that vessels follow best practices for managing ballast water to minimise the spread of aquatic pests and diseases. This helps protect marine ecosystems and preserve biodiversity.

Oil spills

BW Epic Kosan maintains a rigorous policy in the effective management of oil spills. In strict adherence to MARPOL requirements, we diligently uphold the practice of keeping an Oil Record Book for each vessel in our fleet. Furthermore, we prioritise the comprehensive training of our seafarers, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately document and report their activities in the Oil Record Book, thereby contributing to our commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance with international regulations.

Ship recycling

The recycling, end-of-life treatment and scrapping of vessels can also pose a risk to the environment. If a vessel owned by BW Epic Kosan is required to be recycled, we adhere to the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, Basel Convention and Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong
Kong Convention2). For the sale of vessels, we practise responsible recycling and comply with the Hong Kong Convention. We also obligate potential buyers and their subsequent buyers to perform recycling operations at a facility that complies with the applicable conventions. In cases of violations, BW Epic Kosan reserves the right to take legal action against buyers who do not comply.