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2022: a year of building momentum
A classification society’s place is by the shipping industry’s side. During turbulent periods, that means helping to maintain safety and provide clarity; and in moments of evolution, it means supporting innovation. In 2022, Bureau Veritas did both, helping clients shape a better maritime world and make headway to a greener, smarter future.
Rules for an evolving industry
Our bi-annual Rules updates support clients with the technical, operational, and regulatory aspects of vessel management. In 2022, we notably updated our core rules for steel ship classification (NR 467). With these updates, our goal is to clarify the formulas behind design requirements, enabling greater transparency for shipyards and designers and thus contributing to a more collaborative maritime industry.
We also released new Rule Notes for alternative fuels and propulsion technology, helping clients advance the energy transition and reach industry targets for emissions reduction. 2022 saw two Rule Notes detailing design and installation requirements for ships using fuel cells (NR 547) and those using methanol or ethanol as fuel (NR 670). For ships preparing to consume biofuels onboard, we created a BIOFUEL READY notation. Additionally, our experts took the exciting step of drafting NR 671 Rules for ships using ammonia as fuel, a zero-carbon alternative to heavy fuel oil.
A world of innovation through AiPs
As pioneers in safety and performance, Bureau Veritas spent 2022 working closely with marine innovators, assessing and approving their technology. We were able to award Approvals in Principle (AiPs) for cleaner energy and emissions-reducing solutions to clients worldwide.
In China, we delivered an AiP for a dual-fueled VLCC with an AMMONIAFUEL-PREPARED notation to China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES). In South Korea, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) received an AiP for an innovatively designed ammonia carrier with ammonia propulsion. In Greece, our team delivered an AiP to Gas and Heat, whose new cargo and fuel tanks can transport both ammonia and liquefied natural gas (LNG). And in France, CRAIN Technologies earned an AiP for the Suction Wing SW270, an auxiliary wind propulsion device for cargo ships.
Supporting the scale-up of offshore renewable energy
The global drive for decarbonization – as well as many of the zero-carbon fuels the maritime industry will need – require reliable sources of clean electricity. With high possible capacities of 500 MW, projects like Bada Energy’s Grey Whale 3 in Korea will be keystone projects in their countries’ decarbonization strategy. With over 20 years of experience in offshore wind and a view across the energy value chain, Bureau Veritas can lend these projects the certification support they need.
Preparing for future challenges
In 2022, Bureau Veritas also took the opportunity to look forward, offering long-term guidance for some of the shipping industry’s biggest challenges. We explored marine digitalization with a new report on smart shipping, a key driver of onboard energy efficiency. With this publication, Bureau Veritas aims to provide a clear, grounded and comprehensive guide to smart shipping for ship owners.
We also produced a white paper on alternative fuels that dives into the advantages and challenges of various low- and zero-carbon fuels. Our experts take a well-to-wake approach to alternative fuels and emissions reduction, in line with the EU’s Fit for 55 initiative. This perspective also accounts for future regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), enabling shipowners to preempt further requirements.
Throughout 2022, Bureau Veritas has been at our clients’ sides, encouraging innovation and helping shipowners make the right decisions. We look forward to starting 2023 in the same spirit and continuing to shape a better maritime world for all our clients and partners.
