Updater
21/11/24

Sustainability

Driven by service,
knowledge & pride

Setting sail towards a sustainable shipping future, where every voyage with Ellerman City Liners charts a course for a greener corporate horizon.

Peter Andrews

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Ellerman City Liners has an unwavering commitment to sustainable shipping. Ellerman recognises the critical importance of safeguarding the environment while ensuring the efficient and reliable transportation of goods across the globe. With a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing our planet, Ellerman has embraced a comprehensive approach to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly technologies, innovative practices, and a strong corporate responsibility ethos into every aspect of its operations. The company’s dedication to sustainable shipping not only benefits the environment it also demonstrates that responsible business practices can coexist harmoniously with economic growth and global trade.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) retrofit

Carbon capture and storage is a possibility of reducing carbon emissions from transport while vessels are in operation. As CO2 is captured after it’s been combusted (post combustion), it requires only minimal alterations and retrofitting of existing vessels is possible. The three-step process involves a.) capturing the carbon dioxide b.) storing it on board and c.) disposing it safely while in port.

Ellerman will be investigating with Owners whether an installation of such CCS units is feasible as this would be another step for decarbonisation of the existing fleet.
Daily speed monitoring

The Ellerman fleet is monitored 365 days a year and speed directions are adjusted constantly based on weather forecasts for any crossing being made and based on vessel’s dispatch in next port. In particular in short-sea shipping, dispatches are constantly changing, and vessels are amending speed accordingly. Ellerman is an advocate of fixed berthing windows and not supporting the first come/first serve approach as this requires vessels running at full speed and increasing respective emissions. As “the winner takes it all”, the losing vessels have consumed too much fuel and added unnecessary emissions.
Weather routing/route preparation

Together with specialized meteorological consultancy agencies, Ellerman is planning the long-distance routes for best use of favourable weather conditions but also for avoidance of disruptive conditions in particular during storm seasons. For safeguarding crew, cargo and vessels but also avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption, Ellerman is always considering sheltering as a meaningful approach during adverse weather conditions and will never force Captains to proceed with a voyage.
Hull and propellor cleaning

On a regular basis, Ellerman is inspecting the hulls and propellers of its vessel fleet to identify the degree of biofouling over a period of time. Even light fouling can reduce speed by 5 to 10% and increase at the same time fuel consumption due to higher resistance underwater. Hence the emissions of exhaust gases will also increase for maintaining the same speed as if sailing with a clean hull. Growth on propellers can also significantly reduce the power output, therefore Ellerman is investigating regular cleaning of both hull and propeller.
Trim of vessels

Each vessel is different, and two vessels are never alike even if they are from the same type or series. Ellerman is investigating together with the vessel commands which trim is the most optimal for speed in relation to consumption. Some vessels operate more efficiently with a stern trim, others operate better with a forward trim. Through that Ellerman can ensure that consumption is kept under control as best as possible.

Bio diesel addition

As in other parts of the transport industry, the addition of bio diesel is being looked at in shipping, too. In a specific proportion, bio diesel can be added to the normal fuel stems. However, this must be looked at vessel by vessel as each and every main engine is different in terms of acceptance and processing. The technical preference is for FAME free BIO component though it looks increasingly likely that FAME will be the choice for most blends in the near term.
Shore power installation

Also known as cold ironing, shore-based power supply will play a more important role in future when vessels are docked close to residential areas. As emissions can be reduced significantly through avoiding auxiliary engines running, it first requires a lot of work ashore and on board of vessels and is currently more a topic for newly built vessels and point to point traffic. In big ports, a significant amount of electrical power supply is required to keep a larger number of vessels safely and sufficiently running at quay and at the same time. However, Ellerman will investigate in specific corridors the option of such shore-based power supply.
New buildings

The so-called short-sea segment (vessels up to 2000 TEU with high 45’ pallet-wide intake) is soon reaching an average age of 20 years. Still a rather big number of vessels which were built in the late 90ties and early 2000^th is trading until this day. Engines and hull design have massively improved during the last decades, achieving far better economies per slot and a lot less emissions. However, significant investments are to be made into new buildings segment though the designs are there. One of the key questions right at this moment remains the question of propulsion and Ellerman is working on various projects regarding potential new builds.
Waste in our waters!

Ellerman staff has always been active in supporting others like NGOs in their projects such as collecting sea water samples for analysing same regarding plastic remains. Waste in our waters is a big threat and removing same is a challenge and while Ellerman vessels will always follow the strict MARPOL rules in terms of waste collection, separation and disposal, the already existing waste in waters need to be cleared as well. Ellerman is looking to support these so-called clean-up projects.
Supranational regulations

Over the past years, in particular the European Union but also countries like Norway have initiated many environmental regulations for reducing emissions. Though all these regulations such as implementation of Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA), Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) are increasing the costs of operating a shipping line, it is the right way forward for cleaner environment and better air quality in future. Through supranational legislation and regulations, all market participants are treated equally in their specific environment and Ellerman will always ensure the full compliance of such regulations without fail.

Stunning image of a massive cargo ship being constructed in a dry dock

New Builds and State-of-the-Art Design

Ellerman has invested in chartering long-term new vessels, due to arrive in late 2024, that showcase cutting-edge design and technology, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the shipping industry’s sustainability efforts. Meeting Environmental Regulations: The newly ordered vessels, and future commissioning of vessels, will adhere to all current environmental regulations, as well as anticipated future standards. This commitment ensures that Ellerman continues to operate responsibly and in compliance with evolving environmental guidelines.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo Capacity: With a 45′ intake equivalent to 400 truckloads, these vessels are designed for efficiency, enabling the transportation of larger cargo volumes, further optimising their environmental impact per unit of transported goods.

LNG Ready: The design of new vessels will be LNG-ready, acknowledging the potential of synthetic (green) LNG as a future fuel source. This forward-thinking approach positions them to embrace cleaner fuel alternatives when they become available.

Pipelines leading the LNG terminal and the LNG tanker

A detailed view of the metering system for a liquid cylinder aboard a ship.

Innovative Ship Designs

Shore Connection for Electricity Supply: The vessels have the capability for implementing shore connection electricity supply while berthed at port. This feature allows them to reduce their carbon footprint by using cleaner, onshore electrical sources rather than running onboard generators, especially in emissions-controlled areas. Residential areas close to operating terminals will benefit from better air quality.

Innovative Ship Designs: As part of the design process these vessels will see improved ship hull, bow thrusters, and propeller designs. These innovations are aimed at reducing resistance and increasing energy efficiency, further

Schedule Updated

Sustainability

Driven by service,
knowledge & pride

Setting sail towards a sustainable shipping future, where every voyage with Ellerman City Liners charts a course for a greener corporate horizon.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

New Builds and State-of-the-Art Design

Cargo Capacity

Innovative Ship Designs

Contact Us

Do you have a question for us?
We’re here to help!

Schedule Updated

Sustainability

Driven by service, knowledge & pride

Setting sail towards a sustainable shipping future, where every voyage with Ellerman City Liners charts a course for a greener corporate horizon.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

New Builds and State-of-the-Art Design

Cargo Capacity

Innovative Ship Designs

Contact Us

Do you have a question for us? We’re here to help!

Driven by service,
knowledge & pride

Do you have a question for us?
We’re here to help!