DNV says non-combat naval ships can take up alternative fuels

As naval support ships have fewer operational restrictions than naval ships built for combat they can switch quicker to alternative low carbon fuels, DNV says in a new white paper.

PHOTO: DNV study suggests LNG or biofuels can fuel non-combat ships. DNV

Though the commercial shipping industry has increasingly been making steps towards investing in cleaner fuels, adoption has been slower for naval support ships such as ocean tugs, research and sealift vessels, says DNV.

The shipping classification society argues that navies could be hesitant to shift to alternative fuels because of military operational primers like ensuring the safety of their assets and securing fuel supplies in areas they operate.

DNV says naval support ships would have greater range while lowering their emissions if they take up more widely available LNG and biofuels.

The next 10-20 years is bound to see greater adoption of alternative fuels by these as naval support vessels as governments around the world crack down to cut emissions from every sector, claims DNV.

Meanwhile, bigger battleships such as frigates, destroyers and submarines can use nuclear energy as these vessels require speed and endurance.