AkzoNobel credits green shippers

Developed with The Gold Standard Foundation, the scheme allows ships to generate income in the form of carbon credits. It is based on ship owners converting existing vessels from a biocidal antifouling system to a premium, biocide-free advanced hull coating such as Intersleek, part of AkzoNobel’s international marine coatings product range.

“With ship owners and operators under increasing pressure to drive efficiencies and improve sustainability, the ability of carbon credits to turn energy efficiency into bottom line benefits is a timely and significant step forward,” said Trevor Solomon, Intersleek business manager.

A total of 17 vessels feature in the first two claims, while 50 further vessels are expected to join the scheme by the end of the year.

AkzoNobel says based on the 100 eligible ships already converted from a biocidal antifouling to Intersleek technology, there is an estimated US$2.8m worth of carbon credits potentially available to ship owners and operators.

“Almost 90% of the shipping industry considers it important to measure emissions using a standard methodology, which makes carbon credits particularly advantageous for senior management teams who require evidence of a tangible return before investing in clean technology such as advanced hull coatings,” Mr Solomon added.

In addition, the scheme offers ship owners the option of passing them on to other stakeholders, such as cargo owners, to offset their emissions. Alternatively, they can be used to voluntarily offset other sources of CO2 emissions.

The Gold Standard Foundation validates the carbon credits based on vessel data that is collected and analysed. To ensure transparency, the fuel savings that are generated are also verified by independent UN accredited auditors.