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The currently most common configuration for emissions reduction is based on latest generation diesel engines combined with the installation of fume purification systems in the exhaust systems. Another method which is gradually being established is the substitution of traditional fuels with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in view of the indisputable benefits in terms of emission impact. This reduction is around 25% in terms of CO₂ emissions and over 75% in terms of emissions of other particulates.

In recent years, orders for ships with low environmental impact have accelerated, particularly those for dual-fuel ships with LNG primary propulsion. In the past, Fincantieri had already built a special ferry with LNG propulsion for Canada and, in early 2024, delivered a 178,000 GRT cruise ship with LNG as primary fuel, the largest such unit ever produced in Italy.

The future lies in the application of fuel cells, electrochemical conversion devices that generate electricity and heat by combining a fuel (typically hydrogen, methanol or methane) and a comburent (oxygen), in the absence of combustion. In this way, no polluting substances are actually produced.
The Company has set up a research laboratory, in collaboration with the University of Trieste, with the aim of testing power generation systems based on different types of fuel cells.

Fincantieri is developing plans for new ships with provision for future use of bio or synthetic methanol, which would go into a dual fuel (methanol/MGO) internal combustion engine.

Green methanol, in the well-to-wake scenario, is a promising fuel for achieving the net zero target. The management of methanol on board a ship would be easier than LNG, not requiring cryogenic technology for storage and use.

Ammonia and hydrogen are substances that, because they contain no carbon, do not emit CO₂ during the combustion process; from this point of view, they are suitable fuels for use in limited areas to pay locally for the goal of zero emissions.

These two fuels, if produced in a green way, in the well-to-wake approach are also both promising for achieving the Net Zero target globally.

In collaboration with the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR, National Research Council) and the Universities of Genoa, Naples and Palermo, with the contribution of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, we have developed a project to realize a laboratory ship approximately 25 metres long to study power generation technologies with low environmental impact. The ship, called Zeus – Zero Emission Ultimate Ship, inaugurated at the beginning of 2022, is powered by electric propulsion engines, which will be powered by a fuel cell system of about 130 kW and a battery system capable of ensuring around 6 hours’ navigation autonomy at zero emissions, thanks to about 50 kg of hydrogen contained in metal hydride cylinders. Zeus will be the first marine vessel powered exclusively by fuel cells.
Fincantieri has joined the public-private partnership launched by the European Commission and the Waterborne Technology Platform to decarbonize waterborne transport. The aim is to present zero-emission solutions for all types of ships and services in the maritime segment by 2030, making waterborne transport completely emission-free by 2050. The project is funded by the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
Furthermore, Fincantieri is among the 35 European companies participating in the first IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest) on hydrogen, which, in July 2022, obtained the European Commission’s authorization for funding through the State Aid scheme envisaged for IPCEIs.

In this area, Fincantieri is investigating possible applications or arrangements for installation of hydrogen-fueled fuel cells.

Ammonia, on the other hand, while a fuel that could ensure that targets are met, does not yet appear to be a possible solution for the cruise market due to its toxicity. However, Fincantieri is initiating research projects to assess the conditions for the applicability of this fuel to the cruise industry.

In order for the targets to be truly achieved, it is essential to both accelerate the development of regulations to regulate the installation and management of innovative fuels, and to promote the increase of sustainable large-scale, along with the development of the necessary infrastructure

Another technology we are investing in is lithium batteries. In 2021, we formed the Power4Future joint venture with Faist to focus on this project. As well as powering ships covering short distances, the batteries will also be able to contribute to zero emissions in port when there is no cold ironing.
Fincantieri experimented with this a few years ago, installing a system of mega lithium batteries to power the Grimaldi group’s ferries, thus avoiding the need to run diesel generators during port stopovers.
VARD has delivered various small/medium-sized vessels equipped with electric batteries to cover all or part of the energy requirements and it is committed to testing other innovative solutions.

One of our goals is to achieve zero emissions in ports by 2030. The solution is cold ironing, the dock electrification system that allows electricity to be supplied to the ship directly from the shore, so that the ship’s engines can be shut down while it is berthed. In addition to reducing polluting emissions, the supply of energy from the grid would help reduce noise pollution and improve comfort on board while in port.