Fresh new beginning in January

In this article we are going to talk about a new study that reveals how ship-owners can save millions by using advanced emissions monitoring of large ships, the discovery of a sub-glacial valley bigger than the Grand Canyon and the global piracy decline caused by the Somali piracy drop.

Ship-owners could save millions with advanced emissions monitoring

According to a new study published by Transport & Environment (T&E), advanced emissions monitoring of large ships calling at EU ports could help save owners and operators up to €9 million each year. The Maritime Executive reports that these savings could be generated by the use of automated systems such as fuel flow meters or continuous emissions monitoring, a process that is already used by many of the world’s largest shipping companies. The report concludes that these modern monitoring systems could help to lower emissions costs by a significantly greater extent than the 2% CO2 cut claimed by the European Commission, which estimates that CO2 emissions from ships sailing in European waters amounted to 180 million tonnes in 2010. The study also suggests that investing in modern measuring technologies could lower the cost of complying with international shipping air pollution standards, such as the 2015 sulfur limits. John Maggs of Seas at Risk said: “As the shipping industry pushes back against new laws to make shipping greener, this study shows that it makes perfect environmental and economic sense to use modern technologies and consolidate reporting requirements into one regulation. We therefore call on the European Parliament to strengthen the proposal to ensure that all harmful pollutants can be more effectively controlled.”

A Giant Is Lurking Beneath Antarctica’s Ice

Hidden beneath the ice of Antarctica, scientists have discovered a massive and ancient sub-glacial trough that’s deeper than the Grand Canyon. RedOrbit reported that a team of UK researchers discovered the trough whilst charting an ancient mountain range called the Ellsworth Sub-glacial Highlands. This vast sub-glacial valley is 1.8 miles deep, 186.4 miles long and 15.5 miles across, with certain sections of its floor over 6,500 feet below sea level. Despite being covered by several kilometers of ice, the valley is so vast that it can be seen from space. Lead author of the paper, Dr. Neil Ross, from Newcastle University, said, “The discovery of this huge trough, and the characterization of the surrounding mountainous landscape, was incredibly serendipitous. To me, this just goes to demonstrate how little we still know about the surface of our own planet. The discovery and exploration of hidden, previously-unknown landscapes is still possible and incredibly exciting, even now.”

Somali pirate clampdown caused piracy decline

This week the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said that piracy at sea has reached its lowest levels in six years, with 264 attacks recorded worldwide in 2013 – a 40% drop since Somali piracy peaked in 2011. Just 15 incidents were reported off Somalia in 2013, down from 75 in 2012 and 237 in 2011. IMB’s annual global piracy report shows more than 300 people were taken hostage at sea last year and 21 were injured, nearly all with guns or knives. A total of 12 vessels were hijacked, 202 were boarded, 22 were fired upon and a further 28 reported attempted attacks in various locations across the world. According to IMB, Somali pirates have been deterred by a combination of factors, including the key role of international navies, the hardening of vessels, the use of private armed security teams and the stabilizing influence of Somalia’s central government. Meanwhile, West African piracy made up 19% of attacks worldwide last year. Nigerian pirates and armed robbers accounted for 31 of the region’s 51 attacks, taking 49 people hostage and kidnapping 36. Off the coast of Nigeria itself, two ships were hijacked, 13 were boarded and 13 fired upon.

Source: blog.admiralty.co.uk