CHEK research project demonstrates cutting edge solutions to decarbonise global shipping
CHEK is a European Union Horizon 2020 funded project demonstrating solutions for decarbonising international shipping
The EU-funded CHEK project (deCarbonising sHipping by Enabling Key technology symbiosis on real vessel concept designs), which proposes to reach zero emissions shipping by reconfiguring the way ships are designed and operated today, has officially launched.
The project, which commenced in the preliminary stages in June 2021, was initiated by the consortium partners University of Vaasa (coordinator), WMU, Wärtsilä, Cargill, MSC Cruises, Lloyds Register, Silverstream Technologies, Hasytec, Deltamarin, Climeon, and BAR Technologies.
The aim of the project is the development of two bespoke vessel designs – a wind energy optimised bulk carrier and a hydrogen powered cruise ship – equipped with a combination of innovative energy technologies working in symbiosis. The ambition of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 99%, while achieving a reduction of energy consumption by at least 50%.
The approach taken in this project is to develop a digital Future-Proof Vessel (FPV) Design Platform using ‘digital twins’ to optimise synergies in greenhouse gas emissions reductions for innovative decarbonisation technologies on the CHEK vessels and other vessel types such as tankers, container ships, general cargo ships and ferries. These vessels jointly cover over 93% of the global shipping tonnage and are responsible for 85% of global greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. A full-scale demonstration of the results will be performed on two CHEK vessels.
The project also looks at the context of innovative technologies and framework conditions influencing long-distance shipping today (including infrastructure availability). A Foresight Exercise will simulate the deployment of the CHEK innovations on the global shipping fleet with the aim of reaching zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The initial five months of the project were used to develop its initial digital Prototypes, and define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which serve as the basis for the Future-Proof Vessel (FPV) Design Platform. The KPIs are based on real vessel operating profiles and performance, rather than sea-trial performance.
In the coming months, CHEK will develop its technological options and make preparations for the deployment of decarbonisation technologies for its real vessel demonstrations. The two CHEK vessels will start sailing around the end of 2022, and will have completed their journeys by 2023. Project CHEK is expected to be completed by June 2024.
Further progress and updates about these developments will be communicated at www.projectchek.eu
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