Svitzer will convert its tugs operating in Scandinavian ports to use biofuels from renewable resources after gaining a towage contract from a major shortsea shipping group
Car carrier operator UECC has signed a three-year contract for Svitzer’s EcoTow, which involves tugs operating on biofuels in Scandinavian ports.
The new partnership aims to reduce UECC’s seaborne Scope 3 emissions – covering indirect emissions associated with business operation across the value chain – by almost 25%.
Svitzer estimates CO2 emissions from UECC’s towage operations at the ports of Esbjerg, Gothenburg and Malmo will be reduced by more than 300,000 kg over the term of the EcoTow agreement.
Biofuels are an effective fuel for decarbonisation in the short term as they are readily available and can represent a 100% reduction in tank-to-wake emissions for existing vessels.
“With this agreement, UECC positions itself in front of the market, demonstrating decarbonisation projects are scalable and available,” said UECC energy and sustainability manager Daniel Gent.
“This project aligns with our own supplier policy, which looks to holistically reduce the environmental impact of our business operation, far beyond regulatory requirements.”
Svitzer head of EcoTow Sven Lumber said UECC is among the first-movers in reducing Scope 3 emissions in Scandinavia.
“With this agreement, they join other global Svitzer customers who partner with us around decarbonisation, gaining the ability to include externally audited CO2 emissions savings in their reporting,” said Mr Lumber.
“This shows a strong desire on the part of UECC to demonstrate environmental responsibility.”
Shipowners need to meet more stringent environmental performance standards with the implementation of the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator on 1 January 2023, and the Fuel EU Maritime regulation due to be phased in from 2025.
Svitzer introduced EcoTow in for its tugs operating on the rivers Thames and Medway in the UK in 2021. This has since been expanded to tugs operating in other UK ports and introduced in Svitzer’s continental Europe fleet.
