The offshore wind support vessel operator Seacat Services has become the first business to adopt the Carbon Management Plan, a first of its kind emissions reduction strategy introduced by new maritime sustainability consultancy, Cedar Marine.
“The offshore wind sector has suffered scepticism in recent weeks around the environmental performance of its supply chain and support networks. This includes high emissions levels generated by its supporting fleet of OESVs, which may lead to question marks over the effectiveness of the wind sector as a true zero-carbon energy solution” , Seacat states.
The company has called on the renewable and offshore support industries to “hold themselves to higher standards” and recognise the importance of driving down their environmental impact to better facilitate a sustainable energy transition.
“As a cornerstone of global efforts to reduce energy emissions, it is crucial for the future viability of offshore wind that its own operational emissions profile is controlled and improved” , Seacat said.
The Carbon Management Plan requires Seacat to commit to a sustained period of operational change, R&D, and significant investments to bring down its emissions.
The company said it had already begun to fulfil these commitments through a number of initiatives, such as using alternative fuelling solutions for its fleet.
Some month and a half ago, Seacat reported its first crew transfer vessel (CTV) completed first operational assignments at Triton Knoll offshore wind farm running on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
By signing up to the Carbon Management Plan, Seacat has also committed to the measurement and analysis of its baseline carbon footprint; the generation of a dedicated Carbon Management Plan; progress tracking and quarterly data reporting against its goals; and annual review of its Carbon Management Plan based on its progress.
“Offshore wind is a critical component in building a zero emissions future, and as its supporters we have a clear responsibility to uphold the sector, operationally and environmentally, as it drives the transition to zero emissions. For us, achieving this goal requires a complete overhaul in how we assess, monitor, and implement carbon reduction solutions, without compromising the ability to satisfy the operational needs of our offshore wind customers” , said Ian Baylis , Managing Director at Seacat Services.
With signing up Seacet to the Carbon Management Plan, the new consultancy Cedar Marine has also been formally launched.
According to the company, its aim is to supply maritime organisations with the tools they need to realise an environmentally sustainable future, including technical and commercial support to maritime owners, managers and operators across a full spectrum of services such as vessel build and operation, compliance, and environmental performance.
“The call for the offshore wind sector to improve and uphold its sustainability is rising, but sustainability itself takes many, often contradictory forms, from climate concerns to business continuity and optimised assets “, said Owen Preece , Managing Director of Cedar Marine.
“ We understand the difficulties the OESV sector faces is determining its most suitable pathways to fulfilling its operational and environmental commitments to its offshore wind customers, and our carbon consultancy is here to advise and accelerate the trajectory of sustainable improvement from OESVs, operationally and environmentally, to support the growth of offshore wind “.