As a technology developer, ERMA FIRST is fully committed to helping shipowners meet the targets for decarbonisation they face for 2030, 2040 and 2050 the zero-carbon future.
Our view is that the targets set for carbon reduction by the International Maritime Organization for 2030 (30%) and 2040 (70%) are eminently achievable if all stakeholders act sooner rather than later. We also passionately believe that – in advance of alternative fuels
– uptake of new technologies will be the key route through which shipping advances along its decarbonisation ‘road map’.
Building on its vast experience as a ballast water treatment system manufacturer, ERMA FIRST has increasingly turned its attentions
to the challenges its customer base faces to cut emissions from regulations such as the CII, EEXI and EU ETS.
One strategy has involved evaluating and improving upon solutions which are already accepted for the contribution they make to improving vessel efficiency. For example, an immediate step owners can take to cut fuel use and emissions by 2% to 3% is to fit a boss cap fin (BCF). Installed at the hub of a ship’s propeller a BCF effectively utilizes water swirl, while its fins catch and absorb the rotating water force. Together they reduce energy loss by weakening the propeller hub vortex, boosting thrust and improving propulsion efficiency.
But there are hundreds of different propeller and ship types and sizes, making it prohibitively expensive to design bespoke BCFs for individual vessels and limiting the effectiveness of off-the-shelf models.
The innovative modular design behind the ERMA FIRST FLEXCAP overcomes this issue. At least 22 different models are possible from combining various fins, caps, and flanges. Adjusting the angle of the fins or the selection of the cap based on a specific vessel’s needs effectively gives the owner a bespoke propeller cap at the cost of an off-the-shelf model. The modular design ensures a low cost
that means a return on investment is achievable within less than12 months.
Cutting carbon emissions
ERMA FIRST’s efforts to help owners have also focused on technologies which cut carbon emissions in port and at sea.
For example, ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT is an alternative
ERMA FIRST leads the green transition of the shipping industry
The clock is relentlessly ticking towards net zero for shipping, but the immediate future demands decarbonisation solutions that work with the carbon-based fuels of today.
By ERMA FIRST GROUP Co-Founder & Managing Director, Konstantinos Stampedakis.
maritime power system which enables vessels to connect to a port’s electrical grid to run onboard services, systems, and equipment. Meeting all latest international standards for cabling and connections, the solution means a ship can switch off its diesel generators, in order to reduce both emissions and noise while in port.
BLUE CONNECT has received approval in principle (AiP) from leading classification society Bureau Veritas and is also recognized as an Energy Saving Device by DNV. The first installation of BLUE CONNECT will be made this Spring, while ERMA FIRST has received orders for six to eight units to be delivered by the end of the year.
At sea, the focus has been on onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a method of cutting ship emissions, with two versions of the same ERMA FIRST system under development, called the ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT. Under normal operating conditions CCS systems are expected to cut emissions by 15% to 30%.
An Amine Absorption version is aimed at deepsea ships with the system capturing CO2 through well-established technology which absorbs CO2 from the flue gas and stores it in a liquid state. This reduces the volume for long distance voyages. In this case, the technology has secured AiP from Lloyd’s Register and DNV.
A simpler Calcium Hydroxide-based version is aimed at shortsea vessels. In this case, the organic alkali absorbs CO2 from flue gas in a specially designed reactor and dehydrated calcium carbonate slurry is stored onboard until its disposal at authorised facilities. ERMA FIRST is aiming to install pilot units in August 2024, with commercial sales following from the second half of 2025, with clients indicating intent to place orders.
If supporting more sustainable shipping will demand continuing investment, ERMA FIRST’s commitment is clear, also extending to the ballast water treatment systems that first brought its name to a global maritime audience. In fact, the potential for stricter ballast water regulations ahead require renewed commitment at a time when many competitors are abandoning the market.
Whatever the requirement, ERMA FIRST’s growing portfolio of sustainable solutions has been built through a blend of in-house experience and new expertise that is committed to help owners improve vessel performance and extend the life expectancy of their ships in the decarbonised future.
* ERMA FIRST GROUP Co-Founder & Managing Director