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Norwegian research company MARINTEK this week hosted its Knowledge for Future Shipping Seminar at Nor-Shipping 2009, which included a review of alternative energy sources for ships as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Held yesterday at the Thon Hotel Arena, Lillestrøm, MARINTEK organised the four-hour seminar to discuss how environmental policies for shipping can be addressed through research and development on energy systems, technical systems and operations.

Per Magne Einang MSc, Research Director, MARINTEK Energy Systems and Environment, gave a presentation entitled New emerging energy sources and systems, where he addressed the issue of emission limits for SOx and NOx, calls for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissons from ships and the shortage of fossil fuel oils.

The potential for new and renewable fuels was discussed with LNG as bunker fuel being considered to be the most realistic alternative to fossil fuel oils.

"MARINTEK has a long history of developing gas engines for power generation and systems for small-scale distribution of natural gas in form of LNG. This knowledge and experience is being combined in order to encourage the use of natural gas as a suitable fuel for ships," the company said recently in one of its monthly reviews.

The keynote speech was given by Hanna Lee Behrens, Director Environment & Innovation, Norwegian Shipowners' Association, who gave a presentation entitled Greener shipping - Meeting expectations from policy makers.