Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has announced its plans to replace its entire fleet of chartered vessels with greener, more efficient ships. These vessels are responsible for ferrying aircraft subassemblies between production sites in Europe and the United States. Airbus has partnered with shipowner Louis Dreyfus Armateurs to construct and operate three state-of-the-art, low-emission roll-on/roll-off vessels that will enter into service in 2026.
This move is a significant stride towards Airbus’ environmental goals. The upgraded fleet is projected to slash annual transatlantic CO2 emissions from 68,000 to 33,000 tonnes by 2030. It aligns with Airbus’ commitment to curtail overall industrial emissions by up to 63% by the end of the decade, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Nicolas Chrétien, Head of Sustainability & Environment at Airbus, emphasized the importance of this fleet renewal in mitigating their environmental impact. He highlighted the enhanced fuel efficiency of the proposed vessels, which incorporate advanced technologies like wind-assisted propulsion. Chrétien stated that the renewal of their marine fleet demonstrates Airbus’ determination to lead the way in decarbonizing the aviation sector and their broader industrial operations.
Edouard Louis-Dreyfus, President of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, expressed satisfaction at being selected by Airbus for this project and highlighted their shared ambition to contribute to the decarbonization of the shipping industry. Louis Dreyfus Armateurs is proud to support their customers in their transition towards sustainable practices.
The existing chartered vessels responsible for shuttling aircraft subassemblies across the Atlantic will be gradually phased out by Airbus. The upcoming vessels will utilize a combination of wind energy, utilizing six Flettner rotors and large rotating cylinders, and two dual-fuel engines running on maritime diesel oil and e-methanol. Specialized routing software will optimize the vessels’ Atlantic journey, leveraging wind power while avoiding resistance from adverse ocean conditions. This fleet overhaul will also support Airbus’ goal of increasing A320 family production to 75 aircraft per month by 2026.
The upcoming transatlantic vessels will have a much higher capacity than the existing cargo ships, capable of carrying about seventy 40-foot containers and six sets of single-aisle aircraft components. This represents a significant upturn from the three to four sets typically transported by existing vessels.
By making these environmentally friendly and efficient changes to its fleet, Airbus is taking significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint and achieving its environmental goals. This initiative not only aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability but also positions Airbus as a leader in decarbonizing the aviation industry and its broader operations.
Source: https://www.techtimes.com/tags/airbus
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