An evaluation of the results of the Cleanest Ship since its launch at the end of 2007, shows it has met its overall objectives.
The project – which is the result of cooperation between the pan-European research project ‘Creating’ and energy company BP – clearly demonstrated specific emission reduction technologies can be applied to inland navigation, leading to a significant reduction of harmful emissions.
Technogies to reduce emmissions
The Cleanest Ship (the lube oil barge Victoria provided by BP) used existing technologies to
reduce emissions. Application of ultra low sulphur fuel, a selective catalytic reduction unit and particulate matter filters resulted in a decrease of nitrogen oxide (NOx) of at least 82 per cent, particulate matter (PM) by 97 per cent and sulphur oxide (SOx) by almost 100 per cent. This means that the ship met the Euro V emission standard which already applies to road transport.
Inland navigation today is a safe and environmentally friendly mode of transport, though the emissions limits are not as strict as those for road transport. The Cleanest Ship project demonstrated how inland navigation could enhance its environmental performance, thereby
becoming more competitive with road transportation.
23 partners
‘Creating’ was a research project within the 6th Framework Programme of the European
Commission, comprising 23 partners from 9 European countries. Its objective was to
stimulate inland waterborne transport in an economical way and improve its competitive
position versus road transport. An important part of maritime cargo is transported to the
hinterland via inland waterways. Continental cargo, however, is still mainly transported by
road. The ever increasing transport flows, road congestion and air pollution require the
exploration of other transport solutions.
The Victoria – owned by BP and managed by Verenigde Tankrederij (VT) – is operating in the
area around the Ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. BP contributed towards the hardware and
installation costs and provided the technical assurance around the project.
Results
The detailed results of this initiative – covering the 12-month pilot phase of the project – have been posted on the website https://www.cleanestship.eu[www.cleanestship.eu]
