Uni-Tankers takes steps towards cleaner shipping
As environmental demands on the maritime sector continue to grow, Uni-Tankers is taking proactive measures to reduce its climate footprint. One of the company’s recent initiatives is its participation in the Cleanship project.
The Cleanship project is a collaborative effort bringing together industry experts, researchers, and shipowners to develop and test solutions that lower emissions from shipping. The project focuses not only on reducing CO₂ emissions but also on addressing black carbon, a lesser-known yet significant pollutant formed during the incomplete combustion of fuels.
Driving innovation at sea
Uni-Tankers plays an active role in the Cleanship project by contributing vessels for full-scale demonstrations. These trials provide real-world data on how new technologies, alternative fuels, and operational strategies can cut emissions effectively. As Kristian Larsen, Technical Director at Uni-Tankers, explains:
“We believe real progress can only be achieved through testing in actual operating conditions. Our team’s deep technical expertise allows us to implement and evaluate innovative solutions directly on our vessels.”
Tackling the challenges of black carbon
While CO₂ has long been the focus of emissions reduction efforts, black carbon is gaining attention for its harmful impact on both the climate and human health. Measuring and understanding these emissions is central to the Cleanship project that also aims to help shape future regulations and best practices for the industry.
Testing fuels and harnessing the wind
Within the Cleanship project, Uni-Tankers is testing bio-based fuels such as B100, a 100% biofuel that could significantly lower both CO₂ and black carbon emissions. The company is also investing in wind-assisted propulsion by installing 16-meter-high wind sails on one of its vessels. These sails rotate 360 degrees to maximise wind power and are expected to deliver considerable fuel savings over time.
Kristian Larsen adds: “The sails will soon begin real-life testing to measure their impact on emissions and fuel efficiency under actual sailing conditions.”
By combining data-driven research, innovative technologies, and cross-industry collaboration, Uni-Tankers is helping shape solutions that will benefit the entire maritime sector in the years ahead.
