For full details and to book your place, please visit the event website.
Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to marine engineering and decarbonisation
Paul Herbert (PH): Principal Technology Specialist for Power and Energy Conversions within the Technical Directorate of Lloyd’s Register (LR).
30 years’ experience in the maritime industry, with background in the mechanical design department of the now defunct Odense Steel Shipyard of Denmark. Assignments included state-of-the-art container vessel systems and complex system design in connection with support vessels and frigates for the Royal Danish Navy. Extensive sea trial participation and technical investigations onboard vessels in service were frequent assignments.
On joining LR in 2011, worked within the plan approval section of the Copenhagen office. After initial introduction, working extensively with alternative fuels related projects, both new buildings and retrofits. Fully authorised by LR for the approval of Methane, Methanol, Hydrogen and Ammonia based fuel systems, implementing qualitative risk assessment in accordance with LR’s ShipRight RBC process. LR’s global technical authority for Methanol as fuel.
Since December 2023, moved to the Technical Directorate of LR, in current role as Principal Technology Specialist for Power and Energy Conversions.
What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?
PH: Vessel impacts – loss of cargo vs increased bunkering vs bigger ship, additional auxiliary systems, hazardous areas, etc. Training and human factors. Shipyard retrofit capacity and capability. Fuel supply and certification – availability, sustainability, market-based measures?
How would you say your industry has evolved over the past two years?
PH: Introduction of IMO Interim Guidelines for fuel cell application, LPG, Ammonia (expected 2024) and Hydrogen (expected 2024) as fuel.
What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on the development of future approaches to decarbonisation?
PH: Nuclear. Interim guidelines for Oil-based fossil fuels, synthetic fuels, biofuels and any mixture. Mandatory instruments for methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, LPG, fuel cells (inclusion IGF code).
What will you be presenting at the IMechE: Marine Engineering seminar and how will this benefit participants?
PH: My thoughts are to present: “Applying Alternative Fuels to Existing Ships Class Perspective and Overview (including example of application with basis in methanol as Fuel).
Which other speakers and presentations are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?
PH: Hydrogen Storage: Fire Propagation, Explosion Safety and Detonation.
Switching to Ammonia: Design, Engine Conversion and Safety.
Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?
AC: The seminar provides knowledge sharing, networking, and inspiration.
The Institution's Marine Engineering: Alternative Fuels for Decarbonisation seminar will take place on 25 June 2024 at the Southampton Football Club
Bringing together representatives from across the sector, including Transport & Environment, Lloyd's Register, BMT, Carnival Corporation and others, the seminar will discuss the challenges of meeting emissions targets and the progress made toward switching to hydrogen, methanol and ammonia for the future of low carbon propulsion.
For full details and to book your place, please visit the event website.