PERTH, AUSTRALIA — Australian cooperative CBH Group’s participation in a greenhouse gas emissions research consortium for the international shipping industry has reported initial results that showed a reduction in CO₂ emissions.

In June 2023, CBH Group joined the Blue Visby project, an integrated system that notifies ships of the optimal date and time for arriving at their destination, eliminating the industry practice of “sail fast, then wait.” Several factors are analyzed, including the weather, vessel performance and congestion at the destination. The Blue Visby Solution also provides the required information systems to support measurement of the model and the contractual architecture to allow for cost and benefit sharing.

Blue Visby’s promising trial results demonstrated that management of shipping emissions can play an integral role in CBH’s goal of reducing site-to-customer emissions over time, said Paul Smith, chief marketing and trading officer at CBH.

“We’re proud to have been involved in Blue Visby’s first trials, which have demonstrated positive results,” Smith said. “Our involvement in the trial has provided valuable insights that will help us reduce emissions in future shipping programs.” 

The trials, which took place in March and April, involved two CBH-chartered bulk vessels traveling to the Kwinana Grain Terminal. These included the M/V Gerdt Oldendorff, owned by Oldendorff Carriers, and the M/V Begonia, owned by Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S. 

Several different benchmarks were tested throughout the trial, including speed, engine performance, arrival window dates and intended voyage parameters. The emissions reduction was analyzed by comparing the actual voyage with its digital twin in the Blue Visby system.

When analyzing the M/V Gerdt Oldendorff, the CO₂ savings varied depending on the intended standard speed: 7.9% savings at 12 knots and 28.17% savings at 14 knots. The Begonia demonstrated a CO₂ savings of 12.9%, measured against the vessel’s intended speed of 14 knots. 

The trial results were consistent with earlier initiatives, including a 2023 Blue Visby pilot program, which resulted in an average CO₂ saving of 18.9% across 10 voyages. 

Integral to the success of these trials was the comprehensive testing of all components of the Blue Visby Solution, including software, technical and operational systems. The trials are part of a wider program across many geographical areas involving other members of the Blue Visby consortium that will be conducted in the coming months.

CBH said the trials demonstrated that the solution seamlessly integrates with existing voyage planning processes, ensuring minimal disruption while delivering substantial carbon reduction benefits.