Port Fees For Chinese Ships May Prompt Genco To Leave Us Market

Hellenic Shipping News

Turning Shipping’S Regulatory Demands Into Operational & Commercial Advantagesin International Shipping News 08/04/2025 As far back as 1981, long before the word “sustainable” was ever applied to the protection of the planet, VPS marine fuel quality testing (FQT) service was clearly focused on achieving a sustainable global shipping fleet. Even before the existence of any international marine fuel quality standard, VPS was testing fuel to ensure the protection of, vessel operations and engines, crew health & safety and the environment. At present, global shipping is navigating its way on a voyage to decarbonisation and sustainability, with increasingly complex regulatory and legislative requirements being placed upon vessel owners and operators. In support of such requirements, digitalisation and the demand for immediate accurate data, along with the use of low-to-zero carbon fuels, are now necessities within shipping, as it strives to achieve numerous levels of compliance. Today, VPS continues to provide market-leading testing and inspection services that support shipowners & operators to comply with and go beyond regulatory requirements, by extending the lifetime and usage of fuels and lube oils and indirectly that of the assets in which they’re employed. VPS testing and data solutions support vessel operators by providing comprehensive services that bridge the gap between complex regulations and practical, day-to-day operations. Through fuel quality testing, VPS verifies a vessel’s fuel, be it fossil, bio-based or methanol, that it’s meeting current stringent specifications. By identifying quality issues early, operators avoid engine damage, unplanned downtime, and expensive retrofits. Even as new low-carbon fuels enter the market, VPS’s in-depth testing ensures every batch is “fit for purpose,” giving vessel operators confidence as these alternative fuels are being assessed. Through the test data generated VPS helps its customers gain the most value from their procured fuels. Rigorous lubricant testing complements this, helping fine-tune equipment to maintain operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Additionally, VPS deploys emissions measurement equipment to gather accurate data crucial for both compliance reporting and operational insights. Then, beyond testing and its associated data services, VPS offers decarbonisation software and advisory services spanning strategic decarbonisation planning, to vessel fuel performance optimization, including speed and power generation management, technical and operational efficiency initiatives, and even basic crew training. By pinpointing improvement areas across a vessel’s operating cycle, VPS helps reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and ultimately support operators’ transition to cleaner and more cost-effective operations. But first let us look at the current legislative requirements and its challenges. From the initial implementation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI, coming into force on 19th May 2005, shipping has witnessed numerous levels of legislation being introduced to which vessels must comply. Decarbonisation targets, are driven in the main by the IMO and its initial strategy for a reduction in the carbon intensity of international shipping (to reduce CO2 emissions across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008) and that total annual GHG emissions from international shipping should be reduced by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008. In 2023, IMO introduced a revision to its decarbonisation strategy, stating the carbon intensity of ships needs to decline through further improvement of the energy efficiency of new ships. Also, the need to strengthen the energy efficiency design requirements for ships, leading to a reduction in the carbon intensity of ships, so supporting the reduction of CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008. Also, the uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources to increase and represent at least 5%, striving for 10%, of the energy used by international shipping by 2030 and GHG emissions from international shipping to reach net zero by or around 2050. This strategy revision introduced Indicative Checkpoints, to monitor the progress of the reduction of the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008 and the reduction of the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008. The IMO GHG strategy is supported by: CII – Carbon Intensity Index, which determines the annual reduction factor needed to ensure continuous improvement of a ship’s operational carbon intensity within a specific rating level. The ratings go from an inferior performance level – E, to the major superior level – A. Measuring the CO₂ emitted per cargo-carrying capacity per nautical mile, CII incorporates, speed optimization, biofouling management and alternative fuels usage. Each year it becomes more difficult for a ship to improve its CII rating. But the best performing vessels are likely to trade at a premium. Since 2024, the CII must be calculated and reported to the Data Collection System Verifier along with the previous year’s aggregated DCS data. This must include any correction factors or voyage adjustments. The deadline for DCS and CII submission is no later than 31 March each year. The attained annual operational CII and the environmental rating (A to E) is noted on the DCS Statement of Compliance (SoC), which is required to be kept on board for five years. In case of a D rating for three consecutive years or one E rating, the Ships Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III must be updated with a corrective action plan and verified before the SoC can be issued. The corrective action plan should consist of an analysis of why the required CII was not achieved and include a revised implementation plan. It is worth noting at this point that the use of low-carbon fuels such as LNG, Bio-LNG, Biofuels and Methanol, offer immediate emissions reductions, which will significantly assist vessels improve their CII ratings and comply with the tightening regulations. For over four years VPS have led the market in the understanding of marine biofuels and methanol. VPS laboratories have undertaken significant R&D work regarding innovative testing technologies and methods, to assist in improved fuel management and environmental compliance. Between 2021-2024 VPS tested samples equating to over 1.6million mt of delivered biofuels. This work has covered bio-components such as the most common FAME, plus HVO, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) and Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO). Such experience and expertise are then passed on to VPS customers to enhance their understanding of such fuels and achieve the emissions reduction and efficiency improvements required. EEDI – Energy Efficiency Design Ship Index, relates to new vessels, built post-2013. This sets a baseline for CO₂ emissions based on ship type and size. It is calculated as the amount of CO₂ emitted per ton of cargo transported per nautical mile, emphasizing fuel efficiency and environmental performance. Considerations are hull design, waste heat recovery and reductions in electricity consumption. EEXI – Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index introduced from 1st January 2023 for vessels over 400 GT. EEXI indicates a ship’s energy efficiency compared to a baseline. The attained EEXI is then compared to a required Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index based on an applicable reduction factor expressed as a percentage relative to the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) baseline. EEXI takes into account such areas as power limitations, wind assistance and propeller optimization. Ships struggling with EEXI are likely to face difficulties with CII compliance. VPS BOSS software application can assist in providing key deep-sea vessel operations data analytics towards CII. Monitoring engine load, fuel consumption, RPM and speed. In addition, BOSS offers proactive route optimisation taking advantage of favourable sea currents, with speed adjustments along the entire journey, considering weather, voyage costs and commercial factors like voyage priority and laycan window. This strategy enables the vessel to save 3-5% on fuel costs, reduce CO2 emissions, and improve the CII rating. For offshore vessel efficiency improvements, the VPS Maress software offers a similar approach, in reducing fuel usage and emissions, supporting improvements to vessel CII performance. The past two summers have seen over four hundred offshore vessels join the VPS Maress Summer Campaign, a 3-month project to see how much CO2 emissions can be reduced, which has resulted in a reduction of over 17,000mt CO2. At present there are over 600 vessels using Maress to support their decarbonisation efforts. EU ETS – The EU Emissions Trading System which is a cap-and-trade mechanism designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Basically, EU ETS is a carbon tax/trading scheme. Under this system, companies are required to purchase permits, or allowances, (EU Allowances, EUAs), that grant them the right to emit a specified amount of GHGs. One EUA allows emission of 1mt of CO2-equivalent, which need to be surrendered to a vessel’s administering authority to cover emissions from voyages to and from, plus between European Ports and port stays. For the period 2024 – 2026, the EU ETS is a tank-to-wake based regulation which covers 100% of emissions from intra-European routes and 50% of emissions from extra-European routes to and from EU calls in neighbouring non-EU countries. Over the same period emissions from maritime transportation carried out by ships of 5,000 gross tons and above will be included, but from 2027 this will be lowered to 400 gross tons and above. The EU ETS will be extended to cover methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxides (N₂O), not only CO₂, however until 2026, CO2 is the only greenhouse gas to which the obligations apply. To provide accurate real-time emissions monitoring, the VPS Emsys system can provide measurement of: NOx (NO + NO2), CO2, SO2, CO, CH4, H20, NH3 & O2, via its unique and innovative cascade laser detection system, with ship-to-shore transfer of data through onboard IAS systems or direct network connection, also known as Emsys ShorLink. Accurate emissions data is critical under the regulations CII, EU ETS, and FuelEU Maritime. With the VPS Emsys system, the streamlining of a vessel’s reporting processes and minimizing risk of costly errors can easily be achieved. Vessels will gain full transparency into their emissions profile. So, no guesswork required and actionable insights for operational adjustments achieved. The EU ETS implementation is occurring in phases. Shipping companies will be required to surrender allowances for their verified annual emissions as follows: 2024: 40%. 2025: 70%. 2026: 100% Applying EU ETS: For Intra EU voyages EU ETS covers 100% of all emissions For In/Out EU voyages EU ETS covers 50% of all emissions Associated Fuel Carbon Factors: HSFO 3.114 gCO2/g, VLSFO 3.151 gCO2/g, MGO 3.206 gCO2/g e.g For a ship consuming 500mt VLSFO on an Intra EU voyage in 2025 (70% emissions) it would require: 1,102.85 EUAs at a price of €73/EUA = €80,508 If the same ship consumed 500mt of B30 (FAME/VLSFO) it would require: 772.1 EUA at a price of €73/EUA = €56,363 The overall environmental benefit of using the B30 fuel and the impact on the EU ETS cost saving of €24,145 is positive. But the price difference of between the VLSFO and the B30 may be significant, plus the lower energy content of the B30 will also be considered factors. The laboratory measurement of the energy content of fossil, biofuels and RFNBO fuels will assist in EU ETS requirements. Along with the accurate measurement of the renewable content of biofuels. Here VPS have significantly improved the accuracy and precision of the test method, EN14078, to assist in assurances a vessel will only pay the correct level of carbon taxation. Fuel EU Maritime which became effective on 1st January 2025, is an EU initiative aimed at promoting the adoption of sustainable fuels and alternative energy sources, with a progressively tightening cap on the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used, hence reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships operating within EU ports and waters. It sets limits on the GHG intensity of energy used by ships, of >5,000 GT transporting cargo, or passengers, for commercial purposes in the EU/EEA. The requirements start with a 2% reduction in GHG intensity from 2025 to 2029, relative to the average GHG intensity in 2020. This reduction target then increases to 6% from 2030 to 2034 and further accelerates from 2035 to ultimately achieve an 80% reduction by 2050. Shipowners are presented with several flexibility mechanisms to achieve compliance, including banking, borrowing, and pooling, and penalty payments. To help comply with Fuel EU Maritime, vessel operators have a few options: Borrowing – Compliance deficits can borrow from the next reporting period, but this is not applicable for more than two consecutive periods. There is a 10% surcharge added to the borrowed amount and its not applicable if the amount exceeds 2% of GHG intensity limit. Banking – A compliance surplus can be credited to the balance of the next period, but this isn’t available after the FuelEU document of compliance has been issued. Pooling – This allows ships to merge their compliance balances of GHG and RFNBO to meet requirements. There is a separate pool for GHG and Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO). Consequences of Non-Compliance – TheFuelEU penalty amounts to EUR 2,400 per ton of fossil fuel exceeding the current limit If a vessel has a deficit for two consecutive reporting periods or more, the penalty factor grows by 10%. If a vessel fails to hold a valid FuelEU Document of Compliance for two or more consecutive periods, the vessel may be subject to an expulsion order with a refusal of entry by coastal Member States ports and also the vessel may be subject to flag detention and not allowed to leave flag Member States ports. Through VPS PortStats platform, users will be able to gain a holistic view on their fuel procurement programmes, by combining price, quality, calorific value and CO2 footprint/costs The above EU strategies are further supported by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) which requires EU ports to develop shore power, plus the introduction of a bunkering infrastructure for low-to-zero fuels. Staying compliant isn’t just about meeting a set of numbers; it involves ongoing monitoring, reporting, and strategic planning to ensure vessels remain efficient. Traditional approaches to compliance have grown more complex and data-intensive, requiring reliable measurements of fuel quality, emissions tracking, and transparent documentation to satisfy authorities and demonstrate operational excellence. As part of EU “Fit for 55”, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) does look towards low-to-zero carbon fuels usage and regarding biofuels it is key that fuel suppliers have their products certified by the likes of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). To monitor compliance performance, vessels are required to measure the following and within a specific timeline.: All the above legislation, highlights the increasing complexity ship owners and operators are now facing in order to ensure compliance. Over the past five years VPS has improved its testing capabilities to incorporate developments in regard to fossil fuels, but more so for biofuels and RFNBO. In addition, VPS data platforms have been developed from our world-leading databases on fuel and lubricating oil quality. Software solutions, such as BOSS for deep-sea vessel optimisation and Maress for offshore operations, offer a proactive approach to regulatory readiness. By monitoring key metrics (e.g., engine load, RPM, speed, fuel consumption) in real time, vessels can take swift action before small issues become huge compliance headaches. Over time, these tools help benchmark and continuously refine performance across an operators fleet. To conclude, VPS offers end-to-end strategic support for maritime decarbonisation. This includes: It’s important to note that all VPS services are coming together in our new on-line, integrated decarbonisation platform, to be released this year. As the push for maritime decarbonisation continues—alongside tightening carbon-reduction targets and broader interest in alternative fuels—VPS’s adaptable testing and digital solutions, advanced measurement capabilities, and expert guidance are becoming ever more essential. For operators seeking a competitive edge in an increasingly regulated environment, partnering with VPS goes beyond achieving compliance—it paves the way for long-term resilience and sustainability. Source: Veritas Petroleum Services

port-and-ship

08 April 2025

Container News

How Used Subsite Locators Are Supporting Smarter Port Infrastructure ProjectsAs global trade volumes continue to surge, ports around the world are under mounting pressure to expand capacity, upgrade facilities, and modernize infrastructure. From container terminal expansions to intermodal facility upgrades, today’s port construction projects are more complex, time-sensitive, and technologically demanding than ever before. In this high-stakes environment, precision and safety are non-negotiable — especially when it comes to managing the often-overlooked world beneath the surface. Before any ground is broken for new loading docks, crane foundations, or underground cabling, a critical step must be taken: identifying and mapping existing buried utilities. That’s where Subsite locators, including high-quality pre-owned models, are proving to be an invaluable asset for contractors and port authorities alike. Ports are among the most complex and critical infrastructure zones in the world. They support international trade, regional economies, and thousands of daily operations. But while most of the focus is on cranes, containers, and ships, what lies beneath the surface is just as important — and far more vulnerable. Port environments are built on decades of layered development. Each expansion adds new utility lines: water, electricity, fiber optics, drainage, fuel, and communications. Often, these systems are installed at different depths, using different materials, by different contractors — some of whom left behind little or no accurate documentation. Over time, this creates a dense, tangled, and largely invisible network of underground infrastructure. When a construction or upgrade project begins — whether it’s for a new terminal, a security system upgrade, or fiber-optic network expansion — crews must first understand exactly what’s beneath their feet. Failure to do so can have serious consequences. An accidental strike on a water main can flood a site. Cutting into a communication line can bring down digital logistics systems. Damaging a buried fuel line can trigger an environmental emergency. And in a port setting, where schedules are tight and cargo flows nonstop, even a short disruption can cause ripple effects across regional supply chains. This is why underground utility locating is no longer optional — it’s mission-critical. Ports, municipalities, and contractors increasingly rely on advanced locating technologies to reduce risk before the first drill touches the ground. Systems like those developed by Subsite Electronics offer real-time utility mapping, multi-frequency detection, and precise depth and signal tracking. These tools enable crews to detect both active and passive lines, identify potential interference zones, and build accurate subsurface maps. More importantly, they allow teams to make decisions based on real conditions, not outdated blueprints or assumptions. That means safer digs, fewer delays, and smoother project execution. In many large ports, utility locating is now a formal step in pre-construction planning. Contractors are required to scan, map, and report all known and detected lines before any permits are issued. This shift reflects a growing understanding: precision underground locating isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for operational continuity and public safety. As ports modernize — adding electric vehicle charging stations, smart grid connections, and expanded digital infrastructure — the demand for accurate subsurface data will only increase. Locating systems that can adapt to dense, noisy, and interference-heavy environments will be central to this effort. With solutions like the Ditch Witch Subsite Transmitters, crews can maintain accurate drill tracking and utility identification, even under layers of reinforced concrete, metallic interference, or decades-old infrastructure. In these complex environments, accuracy is not a luxury — it’s a requirement. Smart infrastructure starts with smart planning. And in ports, that planning begins underground. Subsite locators are engineered specifically for the challenging demands of construction environments. Their ability to pinpoint underground utilities with high accuracy — even in areas with heavy signal interference or complex utility corridors — makes them ideally suited for port infrastructure projects. One of the key advantages of these systems is their real-time signal interpretation, which allows operators to distinguish between overlapping utility lines — a common occurrence in older or heavily developed port zones. Depth estimation, multi-frequency operation, and intuitive user interfaces ensure that even technicians with limited experience can operate these devices with confidence. And the best part? These benefits aren’t limited to brand-new equipment. For port authorities and contractors managing tight budgets or large-scale developments, opting for used Subsite locators can be a smart strategic move. Pre-owned units offer nearly the same performance and reliability as new models — often at a significantly reduced cost. This allows organizations to scale their utility locating capabilities without compromising accuracy or project safety. High-quality used systems undergo thorough inspection, testing, and, when needed, refurbishment to ensure they meet industry standards. For ports seeking dependable solutions without inflating project budgets, these devices offer a high return on investment. Explore a curated selection of used Subsite locators for sale to find options that fit the specific demands of your project. Ports are evolving rapidly to meet the demands of global logistics, digitalization, and environmental compliance. As a result, infrastructure upgrades are happening more frequently and at larger scales — from container yard automation to utility grid modernization. In this dynamic environment, the ability to accurately locate and manage underground assets has become a key factor in project success. Subsite locating tools have been instrumental in ensuring that infrastructure projects within ports are executed safely, efficiently, and without disrupting critical operations. Below are several real-world examples where these tools have made a measurable impact. As global shipping volumes increase, ports are expanding container yards to improve throughput and reduce congestion. These projects often require rerouting or protecting existing underground water mains and electrical conduits that serve cranes, lighting towers, and security systems. Using Subsite technology, project teams have been able to map underground utilities before excavation, ensuring that crews avoid strikes and delays. In many cases, crews used multi-frequency locating transmitters to detect both metallic and non-metallic lines under layers of reinforced pavement. Modern ports rely on fiber networks to support terminal automation, real-time cargo tracking, and advanced communication systems. Installing new fiber lines in active port environments is a challenge — especially when space is limited and utility corridors are already full. By using Subsite locators with real-time depth and signal direction feedback, contractors were able to install fiber without trenching or damaging legacy systems. HDD (horizontal directional drilling) operators used Subsite trackers to maintain tight tolerances and steer clear of existing telecom or electrical lines, reducing both surface disruption and risk. Environmental regulations require ports to manage runoff from hard surfaces such as loading docks, storage zones, and container yards. New drainage systems must be integrated with old ones, often in areas where documentation is incomplete or missing. In these cases, Subsite tools have enabled engineers to map existing stormwater networks with greater precision, including locating buried inlets, outflows, and connector lines. This has helped teams reroute water flow without unnecessary demolition or excavation — a major time and cost saver. Rail and truck interfaces within ports are being redesigned to handle higher volumes and improve efficiency. Many of these projects require working near or across legacy infrastructure, such as old power lines, abandoned pipes, or unmarked data cables. Using Subsite’s advanced locating systems, crews have been able to identify and verify hidden assets before proceeding with construction. This allowed them to redesign routes, adjust bore paths, and maintain safety standards — all while keeping port operations active. As ports move toward smarter, more connected infrastructure — embracing technologies like IoT sensors, automated cranes, and smart grids — the importance of what’s beneath the surface will only grow. Effective utility locating is no longer just a pre-construction step; it’s a vital component of long-term asset management and risk mitigation. Whether for a new greenfield development or a retrofit in a legacy terminal, investing in Subsite locators, including used and affordable models, is a practical step toward ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost control across every phase of a port project. In a sector where precision equals performance, the right tools make all the difference.

port-and-ship

08 April 2025

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Port Fees For Chinese Ships May Prompt Genco To Leave Us Market

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