The Shore Support consortium is extending with captain/ship owner Gerhard de Jonge and his new ship Alana Evita. The ship sets sail in November 2009 and is the 25th ship to participate in the project.
When building the ship De Jonge made a last minute decision to change the already installed fuel oil installation to a gas oil installation. The switch makes the ship more environmentally friendly and allows participation in the Shore Support project.
De Jonge states his goal in participating to be proving sailing without an HWTK is entirely possible. In addition, a crew with Marof’s reduces the chance of fatigue. This alone already makes sailing without a HWTK safer. He clarifies this by saying: “On board ships in the class <3000GT/<3000kW maintenance mainly means changing parts. In combination with shore support, this can easily be done by a Marof. Practice will prove a small crew is perfectly capable of solving problems efficiently, even though it is expected these tasks can only be performed by an HWTK. It is important the Marof learns to analyse problems so that he can communicate them correctly to the shore.”
From Fuel Oil to Gas Oil
The change to a Gas Oil installation is remarkable to say the least. Sailing on fuel oil is cheaper than gas oil. De Jonge: National and European developments lead to stricter regulations for shipping. When looking at my calculations based on old, current and expected fuel prices, I know my decision is the right one. Even at this stage in the building process. Gas oil is also a cleaner fuel and sailing on gas oil is also much simpler for my employees.” De Jonge is willing to contribute to the environment but also hopes Dutch and European governments reward and stimulate these kinds of initiatives by for example giving discounts on port fees. Ports in Sweden already apply such a system.
Shore Support
Since the start of Shore Support by initiator Wagenborg Shipping, the consortium of companies and institutes has grown considerably. According to the equivalent arrangement applying to this project, the HWTK on board ships can be replaced by a Marof in combination with shore support. The research institute involved, TNO, currently investigates the effects of this innovative project on board the 25 particpating shortsea ships. The project is supported by Dutch government and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
For more information: https://www.shoresupport.eu/[shoresupport.eu]
