Aerospace and Defense Review

Ridgebury Tankers Validates Reduction in Fleet Emissions and Carbon Liabilities

Fuel Trust's AI-enabled products precisely measure fuel use, carbon emissions, and cleantech investment returns.

FREMONT, CA:  "Ridgebury is forward thinking in maximizing the value and environmental sustainability of its vessels, and FuelTrusts unique approach fits perfectly with their desire to uncover the real ROI from their investments. We look forward to continuing to support Ridgeburys goals as the company invests in improving the environmental and commercial performance of its vessels," says Jonathan Arneault, CEO at FuelTrust. FuelTrust, a technology firm committed to developing a reliable and sustainable fuel ecosystem for the marine sector, has released the outcomes of its collaboration with Ridgebury Tankers to certify fleet-wide emission reductions. Utilizing FuelTrusts AI technology, Ridgebury has established a carbon baseline for its Suezmax tanker, Ridgebury John Zipser, and evaluated the vessel's performance gains following a 2019 refurbishment, indicating a return on investment in scrubbers as well as carbon reductions.

Ridgebury commissioned FuelTrust to analyze fuel and operations data from previous years for its tanker, comparing month-to-month and year-to-year performance to provide a baseline for carbon emissions against which vessel improvements could be measured. The analysis also demonstrated the value of retrofitting the vessel with a scrubber and the effect of HFO fuel quality on carbon emissions.

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Ridgebury was able to comprehend, to the kilogram, the full emissions stack of the vessel, including CO2, NOx, SOx, CAP, and HAP emissions, thanks to an AI-powered analysis performed by FuelTrust's Carbon Baseline solution. Ridgebury has assessed the impacts of installing a scrubber, a silicone hull coating, and purchasing higher-grade fuels on vessel performance at a reasonable cost. Before utilizing FuelTrust's technology, Ridgebury would have required a large and expensive array of physical sensors and emissions-lab evaluation consultation to access the same information.

FuelTrust uses its patent-protected artificial intelligence technology to trace the linkages between fuel bunkers from the point of origin, through combustion, and ultimately to emissions. This swiftly and accurately provides information regarding the fuel's quality, density, GHG emissions, and origin. In an opaque bunkering industry where carbon emissions reports have relied on generalized estimations, FuelTrusts AI examines the chemical interactions during onboard combustion to accurately report emissions.

FuelTrust's strategy goes beyond merely applying a projected reduction in emissions for each new piece of technology installed on a vessel. When analyzing ship performance, FuelTrust uses AI-based virtual models of engines, scrubbers, coatings, and other clean technology. The FuelTrusts AI technology may turn on or off a specific virtual technology and monitor the results of past and future investments. It can also accurately calculate the benefits of combining these selections.

“Our commitment to operating a sustainable business means that when we add a tanker to our fleet of vessels, we first consider how our investment will benefit the environment. Working with FuelTrust gives a higher level of detail and accuracy about how our investments affect emissions in any scenario. For the benefit of our seafarers, our investors, and the environment, we can use this insight to deliver measurable improvements to our vessels,” says Robert Burke, CEO at Ridgebury.

FuelTrust is examining other tankers to determine how fuel selection and operational practices might cut emissions. As part of the subsequent phase, FuelTrust will analyze the relative financial and environmental benefits that could be realized through installing and efficiently operating a scrubber by model. FuelTrust will provide insight into optimal HFO results versus prolonged VLSFO use without upgrade. For these Suezmax tankers, FuelTrust's study will assist Ridgebury in making the optimal investment decisions for decreasing emissions and improving returns, as well as identifying operational behaviors that could provide Ridgebury and its charterers with enhanced benefits.

Fleets can utilize FuelTrust digital solutions to calculate the return on investment (ROI) of investing in more efficient technology and to statistically prove annual emissions reduction in support of 2030 and 2050 IMO goals. In addition, FuelTrust's solutions give validated carbon emissions results for correct CII scores, allowing shipowners and operators to achieve improved financial outcomes.

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