Report on CSA 2020 Technical Seminar – Brussels, 14 November 2019
The Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) 2020 held its 3rd technical workshop in Brussels last week and invited the EGCSA to participate. The technical part of day started with a joint session reviewing concerns and perceptions and discussed how the associations could work together to correct misinformation and a knowledge deficit with respect to EGCS amongst a surprising number of the public, press, commerce and regulators. In some meteorological conditions, a white plume can be seen from a funnel fitted with an operating EGCS. The plume is simply condensed water from the exhaust gases, like steam rising from a kettle but to the uninformed a visible plume is a worry and regarded as a potential risk. This and other concerns were discussed, and actions agreed in a very open and useful exchange of ideas.
The event also included a fascinating perspective from one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, SINTEF, on the merits and impact of EGCS in comparison to 2020 compliant fuels. The progressive CE Delft assessment of the many wash water samples taken from over 100 ships was outlined. The IMO “model port method” of assessment of water column and sediment impacts was also presented. The conclusion: a positive assessment with no significant indicators of long-term problems.
CSA 2020 had also secured the presence of two senior EU officials, Sandro Santamato and Rosa Antidormi. They both have in-depth knowledge and interest in the maritime sector and provided their latest assessment of the direction of the new EU Commission.
The last but most important agenda item was Safety and Security of EGCS installations. After some sensationalised press statements on incidents the message from users was that, while some limited work needs to be done, the reliability and up time of installed EGCS is almost continuous. The downtime figure was in the 0.01% range. As always there are improvements to be made. EGCSA will honour its commitment to take issues seriously and agree a common approach with its members to address and action them.
