Global Maritime: Energy Transition is no longer relevant...

Energy Transition is no longer relevant…

We need to stop talking about an ‘Energy Transition’.

Why? Because this suggests an activity that has not started, that still needs to overcome resistance and build momentum. However, projects have been sanctioned, contracts won, and work is already well underway. We are no longer in the transition phase; we are transforming. So, forget ‘Energy Transition’ and embrace ‘Energy Transformation’.

With energy transformation comes technology development, infrastructure, and the resources necessary to support industrial decarbonisation. Whilst we cannot solve every problem in every sector, we must champion those sectors we can influence.

At Global Maritime (GM) our focus is centred on the marine sector, specifically the blue economy. By developing this sector sustainably, it’s possible to drive transformation and accelerate decarbonisation. There is no one “silver bullet” to solve the decarbonised energy conundrum. However, if we view this challenge with ingenuity, it’s possible to identify a multitude of silver bullets to drive solutions.

Where the maritime sector is demonstrating leadership and vision in energy transformation is CCUS and offshore hydrogen production.

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)

CCUS capture’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power generation and industrial processes, like steel and cement production. CO2 is captured via chemical absorption, physical separation, or membrane filtration of the gas, it's then stored deep underground in geological formations. This system creates opportunities for traditional marine and offshore engineering service sectors.

A recent example of these opportunities is the award to Global Maritime for Marine Warranty Surveying (MWS) for Northern Lights CCUS project. GM are using the skills and experience they have attained in the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry and transferring them to an alternative type of subsea infrastructure.

Once commissioned, Northern Lights will be a CO2 transportation and storage infrastructure facility, delivered via an Equinor, Shell and Total Energies Joint Venture, (JV).

This project will use an innovative ship design for transporting CO2. As liquid CO2 has a much lighter density than liquified petroleum gas, the weight of the ship will increase. This will impact the design and operation of the vessels. This creates additional opportunities for GM building on our expertise in marine services and vessel inspection activities.

Floating Hydrogen Production – Hydepoint

Demand for renewably produced hydrogen is rapidly increasing alongside utilisation of offshore wind resources. Further development will require significant strengthening of the power grid, however, a partial or full conversion of energy to hydrogen will reduce the need for grid investments and increase production of hydrogen.

As part of the Moreld Group and in partnership with Arendals Fossekompani and Kongsberg, we are developing the “Hydepoint” concept; a complete solution for receiving, converting, and transmitting energy from offshore wind farms, with reduced dependence on the onshore power grid. The floating offshore hub will be located near offshore wind farms, converting all or part of the produced renewable energy into hydrogen, reducing the need for upscaling the power grid.

Global Maritime will provide expertise in vessel hydrodynamic design and engineering, mooring analysis through our proprietary software, ‘GMoor’ and constructability review through our marine operations capability in Transport and Installation (T&I).

The offshore industry is no longer the sole playground for O&G. It is now shared with new energy companies, developing innovative solutions to drive energy transformation. There is an increase in the number of projects being commissioned and delivered. This will have a continued impact on meeting both Net Zero goals and climate change ambitions. Global Maritime are at the forefront of this, using our expertise and competency in marine consultancy to support new and existing customers. It is with this mindset that we are working with our customers to reimagine a low carbon offshore industry that progresses energy transformation.