Energy efficiency more important than ever

Improving energy efficiency does seem to be the way forward to achieving decarbonisation and more for the shipping industry. Nor-Shipping 2025 had a heavy focus on decarbonisation and alternative fuels along with an undertone of geopolitical shifts and trade disruptions. However, pragmatists would have also noticed that the transition to cleaner fuels is taking longer than some anticipated and efficiency measures are getting more attention. Low-hanging fruits are available today, and Jotun is showing it is committed to doing its part to future-proof the industry.

This year, Nor-Shipping was celebrating its 60^th anniversary and befitting such an auspicious occasion it was the largest to date in terms of the number of exhibitors. When the organisers chose ‘Future-Proofing Maritime’ as the theme for the event, they could not have known how complex the geopolitical landscape would look halfway through 2025 or that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) would have set mandatory marine fuel standard and GHG emissions pricing for shipping to address climate change.

A lot of focus at Nor-Shipping was understandably on the megatrends currently impacting and influencing global shipping. So too was decarbonisation and the IMO net-zero framework. “With the historic climate agreement adopted by the IMO in April, shipping has become the first industry to face a globally established price on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Now it is important to continue working together if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption,” said IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez at the opening of the Ocean Leadership Conference.

“The current geopolitical climate highlights the need to strengthen international cooperation. Security concerns, economic uncertainty, and increased protectionism make it more challenging, yet these are precisely the moments when global dialogue matters most. The challenges we face – climate change, energy transition, digital transformation- are too great for any one nation or company to solve alone,” said Knut Arild Hareide, CEO, Norwegian Shipowners Association.

Call for more collaboration and action

Emphasising the need for more collaboration across borders and the maritime value chain, Hareide went on to say “Global challenges need global solutions. The IMO agreement is historic, but it is also only the beginning. As an industry, we must follow up with action by investing in energy efficiency and zero-emission technology, scaling the use of alternative fuels, and forging stronger public-private partnerships to speed up innovation.”

In spite of the growing call for net zero by 2050, the push to decarbonisation appears to be slowing down warned some speakers at Nor-Shipping. In her keynote speech, Claire Louise Perry O’Neill, the former UK Energy Minister highlighted that decarbonising across all industries is indeed slowing down. She said over the last 20-years despite intense climate advocacy, fossil fuels’ share of global primary energy consumption had only fallen from 83% to 80% and with increasing energy production, 2024 had the highest ever recorded actual energy output from fossil fuels.

However, she had plenty of good to say about shipping and credited the industry’s proactive stance on decarbonisation. “Shipping has stepped up, and the IMO’s new strategy is a clear example of coordinated ambition,” she said although she also acknowledged the obstacles still to be overcome – not least pricing and scale.

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry, another speaker said, "There is a threat to which the pace of the energy transition is taking place. While the pace is at threat, the transition itself is not. The logic behind the energy transition has not changed. You know what else hasn't changed? The science and it’s barrelling down upon us like a freight train. Any thoughtful CEO today must realise that they need to be making decisions that recognise the consequences of inaction are far, far more costly than the cost of action."

Many acknowledged the industry is being reshaped by the geopolitics, trade policies and global GHG pricing mechanism. “In these complex and uncertain times, it’s reassuring to know that the maritime industry is used to facing challenges and continues to show resilience in adapting to geopolitical shifts and economic changes. With the IMO agreement, shipping could be the first industry to combine a world-wide limit to emissions and emission pricing. Zero and near-zero fuels will be needed to comply, and energy efficiency measures will become even more important,” said DNV CEO Remi Eriksen.

Vital role of energy efficiency

The Nor-Shipping programme included numerous seminars, talks and presentations where experts shared their insights on matters ranging from green financing, future fuels, infrastructure development and digitalisation amongst other topics. Of particular interest were the industry views and opinions shared on the vital role of energy efficiency in the shipping industry’s journey towards decarbonisation.

At the DNV hosted Making energy efficiency a commercial reality talks, panellists discussed the obstacles to quantifying performance gains and considered the need for high frequency data, transparency and third-party verification as key elements of trust-building for those planning to invest in energy-saving measures.

“With the upcoming IMO regulations expected to introduce a direct cost on carbon emissions, alongside improved access to operational data, new performance standards, and growing attention to scope 3 emissions from cargo owners and consumers, the value of fuel efficiency is greatly increasing. This shift is aligning commercial interests with environmental responsibility across the shipping sector,” said Martin Wattum, Klaveness Combination Carriers.

In a separate session - Energy efficiency and decarbonization – saw Martin Koepke (Hapag Lloyd) joined by fellow shipowners Jan Arne Opedal (Odfjell), Tore Haugen (Westfal-Larsen), Adam Larsson (Wallenius Wilhelmsen) and Alvin Gan (Seatrium) discussing practical implementation measures and obstacles to decarbonisation. 

“High frequency data, transparent standards and third-party verification are building the trust and accountability needed to boost investment in energy-saving measures”, said Koepke.

Around the exhibition itself, a considerable number of alternative fuel solutions were presented by exhibitors with ammonia and hydrogen, both effectively carbon-free aside from a small amount of pilot fuel, being particularly in evidence. However, as mentioned so often in the talks, shipping will remain reliant on fossil fuels for many years still. Even the ships being built with dual-fuel capability are often running on oil as the alternative fuels are not yet available in quantity. So what decarbonisation is possible in the short term will have to come from efficiency measures including reducing or eliminating hull fouling.

Morten Fon, President and CEO of Jotun said, “Decarbonisation is vital, and the shipping industry must continue to adapt, innovate and collaborate. We have a long way to go, especially when it comes to the availability of alternative fuels, but energy efficiency measures are already available and taking action now is really important. One of the low hanging fruits for operators is to invest in antifouling technologies to keep their ship hulls clean and make their operations cleaner, especially now that regulations on emissions and biofouling guidelines are tightening.”

Jotun successes at Nor-Shipping

As the leading marine coatings manufacturer globally, there were high expectations as to what Jotun would launch and announce at Nor-Shipping, and it did not disappoint. Recognised as the Home of hull performance, Jotun announced the launch of the next generation of its recognised Hull Performance Solution, HPS 2.0, which includes four elements, that in combination will optimise vessel efficiency: Jotun’s best antifouling technologies - tailored to trade, technical service from the industry's largest team of coatings advisors, intelligent hull condition management and credible performance guarantees.

Jotun’s launch of its HPS 2.0 solution was rapidly followed by the signing of an agreement with gas carrier operator BW LPG for it to cover 38 of the owner’s vessels. This builds on the proven performance of Jotun’s original HPS on 17 BW LPG vessels, which has delivered significant fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Jotun’s Global Sales Director for Shipping, Jessica Doyle commented, “Our long-lasting relationship with BW LPG is taking another step forward with this new HPS agreement, signed and celebrated at Nor-Shipping. The companies' relationship dates back several decades to the days of Bergesen D.Y. ASA, and it now culminates with this agreement that builds on a proven track record and Jotun's Clean shipping commitment.”

Knut-Helge Knutsen, Vice President and Head of Technical at BW LPG added, “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Jotun, whose commitment to quality in both service and product delivery has been invaluable to us. Jotun's products align perfectly with our needs, trade requirements, and sustainability strategy. The fuel consumption is directly linked to the condition of the hull, and we have found that Jotun's products effectively maintain low hull fouling over the five-year period between dry dockings. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Jotun.”

New report reveals impact of biofouling

The need for various antifouling technologies was highlighted in a recent report also presented by Jotun during Nor-Shipping. The study, which was based upon a survey of 1,000 shipowners, highlighted that around 40% of ship owners have experienced regulatory penalties due to biofouling related issues and a similar number denied port access due to non-compliance issues related to biofouling.

“Perhaps even more telling, today half (49%) of those surveyed avoid ports with stringent biofouling regulations, a strategy that becomes increasingly unsustainable as global standards continue to tighten,” said Petter Korslund, Regulatory Affairs Manager Hull Performance in Jotun.

In an interview with TradeWinds at Nor-Shipping, Morten Sten Johansen, Global Category Director for Hull Performance in Jotun said, “In an environment where profit margins are increasingly tight, it is more important than ever to minimise hidden costs. With more regulations on the horizon, including a legally binding biofouling framework on biofouling, our survey results are a stark reminder of the cost of being unprepared.”

Fit for purpose solutions

In an industry ‘first’ at a signing ceremony at Nor-Shipping, Lloyd’s Register (LR) awarded the world’s first Recognised Enhanced Antifouling Type approval to Jotun’s SeaQuantum Skate antifouling coating, alongside type approval certification for the HullSkater robotic cleaning device.

LR has developed its Enhanced Antifouling Type Approval to give ship operators access to objective, evidence-based guidance and to bridge the regulatory and scientific gap in hull cleaning practices. “Ship operators are approaching LR seeking authoritative guidance on which coatings can be effectively used as part of their comprehensive hull management planning. We provide independent verification of antifouling coating performance both before and after cleaning, ensuring operators can make informed decisions with confidence,” said Heather Hughes, Principal Specialist, Lloyd’s Register.

“This approval validates the long-term performance of the HullSkater and SeaQuantum Skate. We’re proud to set the standard for integrated solutions that protect both vessels and the oceans they operate in,” said Morten Fon at the signing ceremony.

It was also announced during Nor-Shipping that Jotun had become the newest member of RightShip’s Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program. In a statement RightShip said ‘Jotun’s decision to join the program reflects a shared commitment to minimising harm to both air and water, while improving vessel performance across the global fleet. With a focus on reducing CO₂ emissions, preserving fuel, and protecting biodiversity, Jotun is driving real environmental impact through a suite of solutions that address today’s most pressing maritime challenges.’

Turning ambition into action

Nor-Shipping 2025 showed there is a clear commitment for the industry to decarbonise, but alternative fuels will not solve the problem of biofouling and the impact on biodiversity that heavily fouled vessels can have.

“The transition is complex, but events like this remind us progress happens when the industry stakeholders connect and share experience and expertise to further the momentum on turning ambition into action,” commented Morten Sten Johansen, adding, “For sure it’s a complex puzzle but it can be solved with more collaboration and innovation. We want to be part of the solution to help our customers and the industry to become cleaner, greener and more sustainable in the future.” 

If the industry does want to follow the Nor-Shipping theme and become future-proofed, the week-long event also served to remind us that the industry will need to look at a combination of factors and not take things in isolation. In the past, IMO regulation has been criticised for taking a piecemeal approach with solving one issue actually exacerbating another pointed out influential voices during Nor-Shipping.

Even the front runners opting for the possibility of using a clean fuel will need to look at the issue of biofouling and the impact the combined cost of an expensive fuel and possible penalties for fouling will have on their bottom-line finances. With its array of initiatives, Jotun is showing it is committed to doing its part to future-proof our industry.