Gearbulk ESG Report 2023 - Report - Page 34
GEARBULK
BIODIVERSITY
PROGRESS AND
PERFORMANCE
Our commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting marine
ecosystems is evident through various e昀昀orts.
BALLAST WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
(BWTS)
PROPELLER AND HULL CLEANING (PC) (HC)
Propeller cleaning is another important action Gearbulk takes to
The purpose of the Ballast Water Convention (BWMC) is to
protect the ocean. Over time, marine growth occurs on the propeller
prevent the spread of invasive species during vessel oper-
which can negatively impact the e昀케ciency and performance of
ation. The BWMC requires all vessels to treat ballast water
the propulsion system on a vessel. Reduced e昀케ciency results with
ensuring the requirements in the D2 discharge standard of
increased fuel consumption, thus a lower fuel e昀케ciency for the ship.
the BWMC are met during discharge.
This is done on a regular basis for all our vessels.
At the end of 2023, Gearbulk ful昀椀lled its commitment to
Gearbulk, along with our Joint Venture G2 Ocean, places a signi昀椀cant
honouring this convention and all Gearbulk vessels have
emphasis on optimising hull performance across our 昀氀eet. Continu-
been 昀椀tted with the technology to comply to the D2 dis-
ous monitoring allows us to promptly identify any decline in perfor-
charge standard.
mance, prompting necessary hull cleaning when needed. Moreover,
we diligently adhere to regulations governing hull cleaning for
vessels entering Australian waters, underscoring our commitment
ANTI FOULING (AF)
to environmental responsibility and maritime compliance.
Anti fouling applied to vessel hulls will protect the environment by preventing the growth of marine organisms on
ROUTE PLANNING AND NAVIGATION
the hull, thereby limiting the spread of invasive species.
Minimal growth will also reduce the added resistance while
Gearbulk follows strict rules in compliance with the IMO regulations.
sailing, thus ensuring a higher fuel e昀케ciency and resulting
Trades in marine protected areas do occur from time to time, and
in lower GHG emissions.
information on days spent in these areas is currently being developed for future reporting.
Gearbulk has a high focus on good hull performance
across our managed vessels. At the end of 2023, along with
our partner Grieg Star and Joint Venture partner G2 Ocean,
after extensive analysis of our vessels’ performance it was
decided to extend the strategy towards using High Range
Anti fouling as the results proved positive outcome on the
negative impacts we create.
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PART 2 – ENVIRONMENT
