The use of silicone paint on NIKOLINE MÆRSK prevents the formation of algea on the hull

Constant Care

A.P. Moller - Maersk - www.maersk.com

Today, environmental issues play an increasingly important role. Shipping is governed by regulations on the prevention of pollution from oil, garbage, sewage and now also emissions into the air. Sulphur and nitric oxide are now internationally restricted by Annex VI to the MARPOL convention.

In recent years, we have witnessed political pressure to increase environmental awareness at regional level, not least from the EU, but also from the USA, which instigated international demands for double-hulled tankers, to reduce the risk of oil spillage at sea in the event of collision or grounding.

We wish to be, and be seen to be, a safe and energy-sufficient industry maintaining international regulation.

At A.P. Moller - Maersk, Good Corporate Citizenship is part of our way of doing business, which entails honest and responsible behaviour beyond the bounds of the company's economic and legal responsibilities.

Worldwide, we operate approximately 1,000 vessels, production platforms and drilling rigs, half of which we own. Protecting the environment is a natural and important part of our strategy. As a major fuel-consuming company, however, this poses a considerable challenge.

Across the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, in our shipping and oil and gas activities, we endeavour to use environment-friendly methods and products. Maersk Oil & Gas collaborates with public authorities and suppliers in environmental analysis and development work, while the majority of our different ships are operated according to certified environmental systems.

Regard for the environment has always been an integral part of our business. In 1992, we built the world's first double-hulled supertanker and today we have no single-hulled tankers - a requirement that will not come into effect until 2010. A number of our largest container vessels are operating on low-sulphur fuel oil world-wide, and from May next year, the so-called Sox Emission Control Areas (SECA) will be introduced, making the use of low sulphur fuel (max. 1.5%) mandatory when navigating in certain zones such as the Baltic Sea and the English Channel.

Within our company, a permanent task force works on environmental measures for our vessels, both above and below sea level. More than 100 ideas have been conceived so far, several of which have already been implemented. The task force bases its work on the principle that reducing engine emission of CO2, SO2 and Nox through the optimisation of equipment and procedures contributes to a better global environment and reduces fuel consumption.

A number of important results have already been achieved:

	Hulls are polished to remove algae and the like that regularly adhere to the surface. A smooth hull minimises resistance when sailing
	The same effect is achieved by underwater cleaning of propellers
	Water and particles are removed from oil sludge, aiming for at least 50 % of the sludge to be reused
	An efficient system for planning sea routes has been developed, that takes into account ocean currents and other factors so that vessels can maintain a steady speed
	Optimisation of the vessel's engines
	The use of silicone paint, which prevents the formation of algae on hulls

Ideas for the reduction of emissions and energy consumption are constantly being developed. The latest container vessels delivered from Odense Shipbuilding Yard have been developed with a high regard for the environment and ensure a head start in complying with current and foreseeable international statutory requirements.

Among other initiatives, we have implemented a Waste Heat Recovery System, which reuses the excess heat from the exhaust, to generate electricity. Fuel consumption is thus reduced by 10 %, which in turn reduces the emission of harmful particles, CO2, Sox and Nox.

In addition, we have developed a new method for cooling refrigerated containers on the latest vessels. By using water in the cooling process, energy consumption is reduced by 15-20 % per refrigerated container.

In our continued endeavour to reduce the impact on the environment, we constantly pursue new ideas and methods to achieve this goal.

For more information : cphinfo@maersk.com