Environmental Internship Program - 2023 Booklet

Azhar Razin ’26
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
PROJECT TITLE
Understanding Low
Uptake of Energy-saving
Devices on Board Ships
ORGANIZATION(S)
Global Centre for
Maritime Decarbonisation
LOCATION(S)
Singapore
MENTOR(S)
Lynn Loo,
Chief Executive Officer,
Global Centre for
Maritime Decarbonisation;
Shane Balani, Director of
Research and Projects,
Global Centre for
Maritime Decarbonisation;
Sanjay C. Kuttan, Chief
Technology Officer, Global
Centre for Maritime
Decarbonisation
As an intern at the Global Centre for Maritime
Decarbonisation, I investigated the low uptake
of energy-saving devices on board ships and
formed a data-driven commercial framework
to overcome this environmental barrier.
Retrofitting ships with energy-saving devices
such as Flettner rotors, air lubrication systems
and kites reduces overall fuel consumption,
which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the uptake of these technologies
has been low, and this is attributed to the low
financial incentive and consistent fuel savings
data. I researched these energy-saving devices
and analyzed the gaps in their effectiveness
and measurability. Specifically, I focused
on how sensors could potentially bridge the
differences between theoretical and actual
fuel savings for more accurate readings. To
address the issue of low financial incentives,
I researched the possibility of implementing
a carbon credit system based on fuel savings.
I also had the valuable opportunity to discuss
my research with different stakeholders in the
industry, including charterers, shipowners and
device manufacturers. This project gave me
the opportunity to gain technical skills such
as coding, and to situate myself in professional
environments. It also made me realize that every
small contribution is important in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
INNOVATION AND A
NEW ENERGY FUTURE
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