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What’s Got Us Talking 27th May 2022

The latest news from across the industry that ‘got us talking’

Welcome to our fortnightly news round-up! Take a look at ‘what’s got us talking’, a collection of topical industry news from both our marine, industrial an off highway sectors.


World’s First Offshore Vessel Charging Points to Be Installed on UK Wind Farms This Summer

The world’s first offshore charging points for electric vessels will be installed on the Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms off the UK around late summer, according to the UK’s Department for Transport.

The project to develop an offshore wind on-turbine electrical vessel charging system is led by MJR Power and Automation and also includes ORE Catapult, Xceco, Artemis Technologies, and Tidal Transit.

The partners secured the UK government funding for the project back in September 2021 as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, funded by the UK Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.

The goal of the project is to design, build, and test an electric charge point situated on a wind turbine. This approach will access the infrastructure already in place such as a turbine platform and electrical cables, to provide renewable electricity to vessels.

 

Hanson and Shell sign Memorandum of Understanding

Companies to collaborate on accelerating construction industry’s transition to net-zero emissions

HANSON UK and Shell have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to explore opportunities that help facilitate the construction industry’s transition to net zero emissions.

The two companies have a mutual ambition to play a key role in decarbonizing the road and construction sectors. Through the MoU, they aim to bring their diverse capabilities together to help both companies and their supply chains accelerate the transition to net zero for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions*.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Hanson by chief executive officer Simon Willis. He said: ‘Hanson and Shell have a long-established working relationship and are committed to sharing knowledge and resources to jointly work on projects that will facilitate our transition to net-zero emissions.

‘We are already working together on several initiatives to decarbonize asphalt with bitumen materials and innovations which promote long life, increased use of recycled materials, low-carbon products, and the circular economy.’

Volvo Trucks open battery plant in Belgium

New assembly plant to produce battery packs for FH, FM and FMX electric heavy-duty trucks

VOLVO Trucks are opening their first battery assembly plant. Located in Ghent, Belgium, the facility will supply ready-to-install batteries for Volvo Trucks’ full range of electric heavy-duty trucks.

‘This investment shows our strong commitment to electrifying truck transportation. By 2030, at least 50% of all trucks we sell globally will be electric and by 2040, we will be a carbon-neutral company,’ said Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks. ‘By integrating the battery assembly process in our production flow, we can shorten lead times for our customers and secure high-performing batteries, while at the same time increase circularity’.

Volvo Trucks’ batteries are designed so that they can later be remanufactured, refurbished, and reused. The plant itself is powered by 100% renewable energy.

With production of three heavy-duty full electric models starting this year in Europe, Volvo Trucks will offer a total of six electric truck models globally, covering everything from city distribution and refuse handling to regional transport and construction work.

Pacific Basin and partners sign MoU for development of zero-emission vessels

Dry bulk shipping company Pacific Basin Shipping has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nihon Shipyard and Mitsui & Co to jointly investigate the development of commercially viable zero-emission vessels (ZEV) and associated bunkering infrastructure.

With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of global shipping by 40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels and halve total greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 2050, the maritime industry must begin utilizing clean, alternative fuels. These include fuels such as ammonia or methanol, both of which require new or modified engines, alternate vessel designs and the associated international bunkering infrastructure.

Nihon Shipyard is a partnership consisting of two of Japan’s largest shipbuilders – Imabari Shipbuilding and Japan Marine United Corporation. At present, Nihon Shipyard is focusing on the design, construction and promotion of eco-friendly ships for zero-emission maritime operations.
 

Logistics UK welcomes zero-emission HGV funding

Transport Minister announces £200 million zero-emission HGV funding at Logistics UK Conference

TRANSPORT Minister Trudy Harrison MP’s announcement today (12 May) at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference of £200 million in government funding to continue its zero-emission HGV trials will help enable the logistics industry’s journey to decarbonization, according to the business group.

However, Logistics UK says the right supporting infrastructure, including refuelling networks and sufficient power supply, must be in place for these vehicles to offer real world alternatives to diesel HGVs.

Logistics UK’s acting deputy director of policy, Michelle Gardner, commented: ‘Logistics businesses are committed to decarbonizing their operations, but to ensure a smooth transition, they need clarity on the path to zero tailpipe emission HGVs; the trials announced today will play a crucial role in identifying the right technological solutions to help enable this. ‘Now, Logistics UK is urging the Government to ensure the necessary supporting infrastructure and regulatory framework will be in place to make the use of these vehicles feasible for logistics businesses.’