Shipbuilding sets course for the maritime energy transition

The maritime energy transition is coming, and the shipbuilding industry is already on course. It is hoped that by 2050, the shipping industry will be navigating the oceans and rivers in a climate-neutral way. An ambitious, but also worthwhile, goal for environmental protection and the companies alike. The valve industry is helping to manage the transition. 

The shipbuilding industry is facing a mammoth task. In Europe alone, 10,000 seagoing vessels and 15,000 inland vessels are on the move. Some of these have to be modernised or even rebuilt. The upgrade also involves a change in the type of fuel. Initially, LNG will increasingly replace marine diesel and heavy fuel oil as a more environmentally friendly fuel. The future, even as early as the next decade, could be dominated by ammonia, hydrogen, green methanol and synthetic diesel.

Demanding requirements
The retrofits require suitable, high-quality valves which can regulate the media precisely and safely: for one thing, when LNG evaporates, it forms an explosive gas. Furthermore, the valves have to withstand very low temperatures. As well as applications in the engine room, valves are used on board for the supply of water for drinking and cooling, in air conditioning and in fire safety, for instance.

Whether for ocean-going or river-going vessels, cargo or passenger ships, the ecological transition can only succeed with seaworthy and LNG-ready valves. But the industry has long been on the right course here.

Explore the trends and highlights from the valve industry at VALVE WORLD EXPO from 3 to 5 December 2024 in Düsseldorf. Find the latest industry news and product information on the Internet portal at www.valveworldexpo.de.