SINGAPORE, 12 December 2023

Further optimisation of the fleet reduces 20% of CO2 emissions in the majority of the ESL operated fleet. 

Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) is committed to achieving global climate goals and promoting sustainable trade growth. After a comprehensive review of the entire ESL fleet was conducted, an extensive optimisation program encompassing several key aspects was developed. Following the implementation of various changes, the company has achieved a 20% reduction in carbon emissions to over 75% of their fleet. 

Upgrading vessel performance

A crucial aspect of the program involved a re-design of ESL’s vessels’ propellers. In collaboration with designers and German propeller experts from Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH (MMG), ESL and the Peter Döhle group jointly developed and installed upgraded propellers on each ship. The utilisation of these propellers yielded a significant improvement in overall flow and efficiency. Carbon emissions have been reduced by up to 10% from the propeller renewals, as confirmed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and large-scale measurements.
In addition, to minimise emissions associated with using typical paints such as copper-based ones which are also toxic to aquatic life, ESL made the switch to silicon-based paints. These are verified to average an 8% reduction in fuel consumption across the tested ships’ speed profiles. More durable and less detrimental to the environment, these paints reduce the drag of ESL’s ships and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving fuel efficiency.

Improving existing processes

On top of physical changes to ESL’s ships, enhanced operational procedures have also been streamlined, focused on optimal routings based on real time weather data, better planning of the ships and trim optimisation. With these measures in place, carbon emissions have been further reduced by 2%, contributing to the overall 20% decrease.
To stay on track with sustainability goals, the company closely monitors their vessels’ operations and carbon footprint through the continued use of Nautilus Labs’ Vessel Optimisation AI Technology, a centralised technology platform that allows the tracking and improvement of fleet performance and efficiency. At the end of 3Q23, their fleet’s savings fuel savings year-to-date was recorded at close to 700 metric tons (MT), the equivalent of around 2,400MT of CO2. 

Looking ahead to a sustainable future for shipping

Environmental sustainability remains a priority at ESL with the above being just a few steps in their journey towards a more sustainable future. The company is actively exploring additional solutions to further minimise its environmental impact.