Wärtsilä Water and Waste’s Membrane Bio Reactor Systems.

 

By Cathy Stephenson

The maritime industry is under intense scrutiny to address its environmental impact. Shipowners now face a complex regulatory environment as industry regulators clamp down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The International Maritime Organization’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) now encompasses a host of environmental issues, from plastics to pollution. Understandably, much of the focus in recent years has been on the impact of airborne emissions on how our industry does its business.

Less discussed—but still as pertinent—is the host of rules that shipowners and operators must comply with to tackle waste from on board. To fully address this, we must take a holistic approach that covers all of a vessel’s waste products because our oceans are a precious environment that we must protect to the full extent of our ability.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are key partners in helping shipowners address these challenges. By offering advanced technological solutions and expert guidance, OEMs play a critical role in ensuring vessels comply with regulations, avoid penalties, and operate sustainably. At the core of this partnership is trust—shipowners and operators must be confident in the reliability of the technology and the OEMs behind it.

 

Wärtsilä Water and Waste’s Aquarius ballast water management system on board MS Viking Glory.

 

Preserving Resources, Reducing Environmental Impact

Good technology preserves vital resources, not just on vessels but in the broader environment. Wärtsilä Water and Waste, for instance, has developed water management systems that enable efficient freshwater usage on board. By reducing reliance on shore-based resources, these solutions help shipowners minimize their ecological footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

Similarly, advanced technologies contribute to environmental stewardship by ensuring compliance with rigorous regulations. With environmental protection being a priority for shipowners, Wärtsilä’s systems make a significant contribution to actively preserving marine ecosystems and reducing pollution in sensitive maritime areas.

Trust in OEM technology extends to promoting circular economy practices within the shipping sector. Solutions that enable the recycling and reuse of onboard waste can help shipowners adopt more sustainable long-term waste management strategies. However, the success of these practices relies heavily on the durability and reliability of the technology itself, ensuring it performs consistently across the vessel’s life cycle.

This approach aligns with Wärtsilä’s broader mission to reduce emissions from waste treatment processes and optimize water consumption. By focusing on these critical areas, Wärtsilä contributes to the maritime sector’s climate mitigation efforts and reinforces the industry’s transition toward a low-carbon future.

Supporting Long-Term Performance and Regulatory Confidence

Building a new vessel or retrofitting an existing one requires significant investment and carries inherent risks. Shipowners must partner with suppliers who understand the nuances of vessel operations and offer reliable, scalable solutions. The longevity of these systems is also vital, as they must withstand extreme maritime conditions over decades of operation.

OEMs must work closely with shipowners’ engineering teams to create retrofit options that align with evolving standards and facilitate the approval process with classification societies. This will ensure that shipowners are always a step ahead in compliance.

Building Confidence for a Sustainable Future

Beyond compliance, OEM solutions are essential to the maritime industry’s efforts to combat climate change. New technologies are necessary to help shipowners minimize GHG emissions, meet sustainability targets, and adopt practices that support the industry’s broader transition toward a low-carbon future.

As the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, shipowners face mounting challenges. However, by working with trusted OEMs, such as Wärtsilä Water and Waste, with a dedicated and highly knowledgeable team to help navigate compliance challenges, they can adopt innovative solutions supporting compliance, enhancing operational efficiency, and promoting sustainability. In turn, shipowners must ask the right questions and demand reliability, sustainability, and longevity from their technology partners.

Failing to do so risks stranded assets, additional costs and delays in the industry’s mission to reduce its environmental impact. With trusted partners and forward-thinking technologies, the shipping industry can continue to make meaningful strides toward a greener future.

Cathy Stephenson is the managing director of Wärtsilä Water and Waste.