The green transition in shipping is a global priority to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability. Spain, with its vast coastline and relevance in maritime trade, is implementing innovative initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions.

These actions include the incorporation of ships with airplane wings, electric ferries and the adaptation of ports using renewable energies.

Ships with Aircraft Wings: Innovation in Wind Propulsion

The Cantabrian company bound4blue has developed a revolutionary technology known as suction sails.

These structures, similar to vertically positioned airplane wings, harness the power of the wind to propel ships, reducing fuel consumption and polluting emissions. This innovation represents a significant step towards the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

Electric Ferries: Zero Emissions Navigation

Baleària and the Cap de Barbaria

The Spanish shipping company Baleària leads the implementation of electric ferries in the country. Recently, it has been awarded to operate the first international line of electric fast ferries that will connect Tarifa with Tangier.

This route will have two zero-emission ships, each with a capacity for 800 passengers and 225 cars, which will cross the Strait in approximately two years.

In addition, Baleària has incorporated the Cap de Barbaria, the first electric ferry in Spain, which operates between Ibiza and Formentera.

This vessel, built by Astilleros Armón Vigo, is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that allows it to operate electrically during docking and port maneuvers, eliminating emissions during these phases.

Ports Using Renewable Energy

Spanish ports are adapting to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing systems that supply renewable energy to docked ships.

For example, the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Cadiz are building infrastructures that allow ships to turn off their engines when docking and run on renewable energy, limiting emissions during their stay in port.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Green Transition

Decarbonization of Maritime Transportation

Shipping is responsible for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization has set targets to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels.

Electrification and the use of alternative fuels are key strategies to achieve these objectives.

Electrification of the Economy

The electrification of transport is essential to reduce CO₂ emissions. In Spain, the transport sector is responsible for 27% of total emissions, with road transport being the largest contributor.

Electrification of maritime transport, along with land and air transport, is essential to achieve national and international climate targets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of winged aircraft in the green transition?

Aircraft-winged ships, such as those used by bound4blue, reduce fuel consumption by harnessing wind power. This lowers CO₂ emissions and helps decarbonize shipping.

2. Which are the main Spanish ports that are implementing renewable energies?

Ports such as the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Cadiz are developing infrastructures so that docked ships can operate with renewable energies instead of fossil fuels.

3. What role do electric ferries play in maritime sustainability?

Electric ferries, such as Baleària’s Cap de Barbaria, eliminate emissions in port areas and reduce dependence on traditional fuels, contributing to more sustainable maritime transport.

Conclusions

Spain is demonstrating a firm commitment to the green transition in maritime transport through the implementation of innovative technologies and the adaptation of port infrastructures. The incorporation of ships with airplane wings, electric ferries and ports using renewable energies are significant steps towards the decarbonization of the sector. These initiatives not only contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, but also position Spain as a leader in maritime sustainability.