Sign up
Log in Sign up
Fri 11 Mar 2011, 10:52 GMT

Stolt-Nielsen looking to develop seaweed propulsion


Ship operator interested in developing biofuel for ships from the cultivation of seaweed.

Stolt-Nielsen Limited has said that it is looking to help develop alternative sources of energy for the propulsion of its fleet following the acquisition earlier this month of Seaweed Energy Solutions AS.

Norway-based Seaweed Energy Solutions is an alternative energy start-up focused on the development of bioethanol and biogas production from the sustainable large-scale cultivation of seaweed.

Founded in 2006, the company holds a patent for the Seaweed Carrier, the first structure to allow the cultivation of seaweed on an industrial scale that is essential for creating the biomass required for the production of biofuels, without consuming scarce resources such as fresh water and arable land.

Commenting on the company's ship propulsion strategy, CEO Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen said: "The propulsion of our entire fleet is based on petroleum. The raw material for many of our cargoes is petroleum. I feel it is our duty, as well as being in our interest, to help develop alternative sources of energy and raw materials. Through our experience as shipowners and fish farmers, we know a lot about the sea and wish to put that knowledge to work helping to make seaweed such a source."

Biofuel   Biogas   Norway 
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) logo. ABS introduces nuclear-ready notation for marine and offshore assets  

The classification society has released what it describes as an industry-first notation to support future nuclear conversion of vessels and offshore assets.
AiP handover ceremony for NEXTGEN Energy Hub (NGEH) design. ABS grants approval in principle for Seatrium’s NEXTGEN Energy Hub design  

The hub concept integrates ammonia bunkering, power generation and electric vessel charging in a single unit.
Jumbo Maritime crew aboard vessel. Jumbo orders two methanol-ready L-Class heavy lift vessels from Dajin Heavy Industry  

Dutch heavy lift specialist Jumbo signs newbuilding contract for two 25,000-dwt vessels.
China flag. Zhoushan completes first bonded bunker operation at Majishan port area  

The operation marks full fuel supply coverage across all general cargo terminals in Zhoushan's port system.
US dollar banknotes. Port of Long Beach launches $1m methanol bunkering challenge for oceangoing vessels  

A $1m prize aims to kick-start commercial methanol bunkering at one of North America's busiest ports.
Core Power, Athlos Energy, Deon Policy Institute and ABS logos. Greece floating nuclear study finds no fundamental barriers to implementation  

A PESTLE assessment of floating nuclear power plants in Greece identifies framework gaps, not feasibility barriers.
Northern Pathliner alongside Bergen LNG vessel. Molgas completes LNG cool-down and bunkering for Northern Pathliner at Northern Lights terminal in Norway  

Operation carried out at Øygarden facility, with K Line and Integr8 Fuels in the supply chain.
Rendering of a G2 Ocean OHGC vessel. G2 Ocean expands fleet with six future-fuel ready gantry crane vessels  

Open hatch specialist adds vessels and jet sail technology as part of a broad fleet renewal programme.
CMA CGM Adventure vessel at Port of Mombasa. LNG-powered CMA CGM Adventure makes first call at the Port of Mombasa  

Kenya Ports Authority receives its first large LNG-fuelled container vessel.
Liam Blackmore, Lloyd's Register. Maritime trio shapes IMO safety guidelines for ammonia as marine fuel  

Real-world operational experience feeds directly into new IMO ammonia fuel safety framework.




   Fuels & Propulsion

Ammonia B100 B24 B30 Bio-LNG/LBM Biofuel Biogas Biomethanol Dual-fuel E-fuel E-methane/e-NG Electric Ethanol FAME Green hydrogen Green/e-ammonia HVO Hydrogen LNG LPG Lubes Methanol MGO Nuclear UCOME ULSFO VLSFO Wind power



 Recommended